The Visit

Barlinda stood quietly at her parents graves as she spoke to them, or more herself, the sun was already setting, and a low glow filled the horizon, "A few days ago was my birthday... And twenty years since you passed, papa... Why didn't you warn me the hurt I would feel? Why didn't anyone? Ever since you passed, there has just been this void in my heart, that nothing can fill... No matter how hard anything tries... Aida is doing well, I know she isn't my daughter by blood, but she reminds me so much of myself at her age" she stopped with a sigh, wiping a tear as it escaped her eye, "I forget you've never met her, I don't know if you would even remember Mary, she died a few days after Aida was born, but she was my best friend for as long as I can remember, she asked me to care for her, I've had Aida ever since... She's turning six in a week, I can't believe how old she's gotten..." She sighed again, shaking her head, "You would love her, if you can see us.. I hope you're proud of me," she looked to her mothers grave, "I hope I'm as good of a mother to her as you were to me, mama.. I don't remember you well, but I've tried, a very dear friend of mine that I hold very close to my heart has said that I'm a good mother to her, but I sometimes don't believe that I am... I still have that painting of me you made when I was a child, I've not shown it to anyone, seeing as it looks so much like me and I thought I was ugly as a child... I actually really love painting and drawing as well, I've only ever showed one person my art... Besides Aida..." she smiled very, very softly, her hand going to play gently with the silver necklace that hung around her neck, with a simple 'B' dangling from the end of it, "No matter how many times I've been robbed.. I always seem to manage to keep my necklace you gave me.. I never take it off.. Aida's my little DiDi, just as you called me before you fell ill and then you were called away much to soon..." She stopped, hearing a scream nearby, quickly running toward it in search of what caused it, not seeming to care if danger was awaiting her...