They say that when you die, you see the person who matters most to you on the other side, waiting with a smile, hand outstretched, ready to guide you into the afterlife.

They say this happens so you won’t be scared or alone. So that death won’t feel so terrifying.

So it was no surprise that I found myself staring at my father after all these years since his death.

But he wasn’t standing there with a smile.

Not with an outstretched hand.

Not willing to guide me with him.

Instead… he was crying, sorrow and guilt clouding his eyes as he looked at me.

“I’m sorry, Lilith… I’m so...