Alone in Death
"Jasmine, those who hurt you have paid the price. If there's a next life, you'll be born into a family that truly loves you.
"I should go. Work's been a bit busy. Next time, I'll bring your favorite, chilled white wine."
Lilith gently brushed the dust from Jasmine's smiling portrait on the stone.
She smiled faintly at Jasmine's photo, then turned and walked away.
A breeze passed.
A small bird flew to the tombstone, flapped its wings lightly, and pecked away the nut on the cake.