I Saw a Girl Who Looked Exactly Like My Daughter at the School Where I Work — Then I Met Her Parents

had been afraid of the truth.

For months, whenever she entered my classroom, her face reminded me of everything death had taken from me.

Now the door opens, Lily walks in, tosses another ridiculous book recommendation onto my desk, and grins.

And when I look at her, I don’t see the future my daughter never had.

I see the girl standing in front of me.

I see my niece.

I see Lily.