When the white tulips bleed

In the silence of the dark

No one can see me cry for all my sins

She came back from the university, freshened up, and joined her parents for lunch. They had lunch together, sharing laughs over small things. Later in the evening, she made coffee and snacks for them. They all sat in the garden, enjoying the breeze and each other’s company. She even played a quick game of basketball with her father before everyone got busy with their own work.

As darkness fell, they watched a movie together and had dinner. Eventually, she stood up and said, "Fine Mom, Dad. I'm going to sleep. Good night!"

She was just about to climb the stairs when her father called out softly, "Natalia."

She turned around, and he gave her a warm smile. "Sweet dreams, dear."

She smiled back and went to her room.

The next day was September 1st, her birthday. She woke up to her mom's constant reminders, got ready, and went down for breakfast. At university, a subtle thought kept bothering her maybe she was a grown-up now, and that's why her parents hadn't mentioned her birthday yet.

But as she stepped out of the university gate, she was shocked to see her dad waiting for her. It was the first time he had ever come to pick her up. He lovingly tucked her into the car and drove home.

When they arrived, the house looked breathtaking. Her favorite roses were everywhere, and the stage was beautifully decorated with balloons. She was overjoyed. Her mom told her to go get ready quickly.

When she entered her room, another surprise was waiting for her. A shimmering Byzantine-colored dress that looked like the stars—it was the exact dress she had once asked her father for.

She got dressed and looked absolutely beautiful. She went downstairs and saw everyone was already there. She really wanted her dad to see her in her dress, but she couldn't find him in the crowd. When she asked her mother, she replied, "He went to pick up your cake. He wanted to do everything himself for you today."

At the bakery, he choose the most delicious cake and had "Natalia" written on it. On his way back, he remembered he had to get white tulips for her. He stopped at a flower shop and got a beautiful bouquet. But as he stepped out, a speeding car lost control and hit him. The white tulips were instantly stained red. A crowd gathered, and he was rushed to the hospital.

When the phone rang, Natalia picked it up. Hearing the news, she froze like a statue. Then she burst into tears, crying so hard she could barely breathe. It felt like her world had ended. One moment she was the happiest girl in that beautiful dress, and the next, it felt like someone had crushed her heart.

It was September 1st, and the reality of everything finally hit.

Natalia was still in bed, her face damp with tears even while she was fast asleep. It was like her heart couldn't stop aching, even in her dreams.

Then, a voice broke through the quiet.

"Natalia, wake up. It’s morning."

It was her father's voice. She sat up with a jolt, ran downstairs, and saw him sitting in the drawing room. She lunged forward and grabbed him, sobbing so hard she couldn't stop. "I love you, Dad! Please, please never leave me."

It was just the ghost of you saying goodnight...

As it has, and as it always will.

I love you, Dad