I was heading home from work one evening, thinking about the bills I needed to pay later. But as I turned onto the town square street, a familiar tune suddenly caught my attention and made me stop.
It was the song I used to sing with my daughter Lily before she vanished from our lives 17 years ago.
There it was, clear as day, sung by a young girl across the square, her eyes shut tight and a bright smile on her face.
The melody brought back memories of when our little girl filled our home with warmth and happiness. All my worries faded away that day, and it felt like my legs were moving on their own.
The girl looked so familiar. Dark hair framed her face in soft waves; her smile reminded me of countless old photos and memories.
She even had a dimple on her left cheek.
Could this be my Lily?
“Looks like you didn’t enjoy my singing,” she said as she walked over. “Was I really that bad?”
“Oh no,” I chuckled nervously. “That song is very special to me.”
“Oh really?” she replied curiously.
“It’s super important for me too! It’s one of the few memories from when I was young. I’ve been singing it forever; it’s all that’s left from those days.”
She seemed ready to leave so I quickly asked, “What do you mean by that?”
“It’s a long story,” she said while glancing at her watch. “Maybe another time.”
“Please! I’d love to hear it,” I urged with my heart racing.
We went over to a café and found a cozy booth in the corner. The more I stared at her, the more familiar she became—her eyes, smile, even voice felt like home.
It felt like something missing in my life had finally clicked into place.
“You have an amazing voice,” I said trying not to show how nervous i was.
She sighed while looking down at her coffee cup. “I didn’t exactly ‘learn’ it; it’s just… it’s all that sticks out from when i was little. My adoptive parents always called it my anthem.”
“Adoptive parents?” My voice trembled slightly as i asked.
“Yeah! A family took me in when i was five after they told me about how my real parents died in an accident.” Her expression softened as tears welled up in her eyes.
I wanted to ask for DNA testing right then but part of me feared believing what i hoped.
Image for illustrative purpose only.Her head shot up suddenly . “Are you serious?”Her eyes widened with shock .“My…my mom’s name was Cynthia too!” She exclaimed . “I remember because she’d always make sure I’d say both hers and dad’s names . Are you…are you John?”“Yes,” holding onto her hand tightly.” I’m John.”We sat there staring at each other speechless .
It felt like all those lost years finally found their answer!
“Dad?” She whispered shakily .
“Yes ,Lily,”I managed through tears.” It’s us.”
After some time ,i asked if Lily wanted to meet Cynthia .
Then told everything that happened earlier today .
“Oh God ,oh God,”she cried.” No way ! That can’t be true!”
I held onto both hands trying calming down
“It is true,Cynthia.Our Lily has returned.”
“Where is she? Where’s our Lily?”she questioned anxiously
“She’s here behind this door,”i answered feeling emotional myself.
