Chapter 111. Letting Emotions Go

111\. **Letting Emotions Go**

***Sabrina's POV***

“I think it’s time,” I said gently, turning to face him.

His brow furrowed. “Time for what?”

“To keep the other promise you made me months ago. You need to see her, Nio.”

After that day—the day we talked about Denissa on island—we had avoided discussing anything too sensitive. We remembered her, yes, but only with smiles and lighthearted stories. Nio, however, had never mustered the courage to visit her resting place.

He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Sab, you know I can’t.”

“Nio, I understand how hard it is. But it’s been long enough. You need to let yourself feel it—to face it. It’ll lighten your heart, I promise.”

“But how?” His voice cracked as his eyes began to glisten. “How can I go there after all this time? What if I break down?”

I reached for his hand, squeezing it tightly. “If you can’t do it for yourself, then do it for Wynter. She needs you to be strong, Nio. She’s looking to you. Maybe she’s upset because she can feel the distance... because you haven’t been there.”

His face softened, and he looked at me, startled. “You think so?”

“I don’t know for sure, but it’s possible,” I said, pursing my lips. “We can talk to her and ask.”

Before we could continue, Wynter stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and almost instantly, tears filled them.

I glanced at Nio, then back at her. “I’m here, love,” I said, rushing to her side.

As soon as I sat down, she wrapped her tiny arms around me, clinging to me tightly.

I stroked her back, whispering softly, “Shh, it’s okay. I’m here, sweetie. What’s wrong?”

She pulled back just enough to look at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I want to go see Mommy. It’s been so many days, and everyone’s forgetting her.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the chest.

“No one is forgetting her, love,” I said, cupping her face. “She’s always with us, right here.” I placed my hand over her heart. “But you’re right. With the wedding and everything else, we’ve been so busy. I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

Her lips quivered. “Can we go see her now?”

I glanced at Nio, who had turned away to compose himself, then back at Wynter. “Of course we can, baby. We’ll go visit her soon, and while we’re in Chicago, we’ll stop by Gram and Pops’ house too. How does that sound?”

She gave me a small nod, her tears slowing.

"Can you tell me who Gram and Pops are?" Travis asked, stepping into the conversation.

"She calls my parents that," I replied with a small smile.

"I see. Have you taken her to visit them?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes, I mentioned that we visited while we were in Chicago," I said.

"Ah, yes, you did," he nodded, recalling the mention.

"Are you sure, Mama Iris, can we go see her now?" Wynter asked, her eyes wide with anticipation. I nodded in response. "Will Daddy come too?" she added.

I turned to Nio, giving him an encouraging look. "Please, do it for me!" I pleaded.

Nio glanced at me with a reluctant smile. "Okay, we'll all go. But Mama Iris needs some rest this afternoon, Princess," he reminded her gently.

"That's okay, Daddy. Mama Iris, you should go to bed right away," Wynter instructed, as if she were in charge.

"Are you happy now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, Mama Iris," she replied, and upon spotting Ellies, she ran off to play with him.

"Nio!" I called softly, and he hummed in acknowledgment. "As a friend, I just want to remind you that it’s your responsibility to take Wynter to see her mommy. When she’s older, she shouldn't feel abandoned. Her father abandoned her mother when she passed," I said, my words laced with bitterness. It hurt to say it, but I needed to make him see the truth.

"You’re right, Sab," he said, his voice heavy. "But I don’t know if I can face her. I haven't been there in so long..." He shook his head. "But I’ll try, I will. This time, for her. For you."

"But don’t do it just because I asked you to," I said, my voice softening. "Do it for yourself. Trust me, your soul will feel lighter."

"Alright," he nodded, determination settling in his eyes.

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We reached the graveyard's entrance, the final test of courage. Nio insisted on us all dressing in black, though it wasn’t necessary. It seemed to give him some semblance of control over this overwhelming moment.

"Ready?" I asked, turning to him.

He took a deep breath and nodded, his shoulders tense.

I reached for his hand, and together, we walked forward.

"Where is it, baby?" I asked Wynter gently.

She led us to the grave, her tiny hand guiding mine.

The headstone read, Here sleeps Denissa Ashley King, a wonderful wife and devoted mother. That simple inscription was enough to make my eyes well up.

"Hello, Mommy," Wynter said softly, her voice trembling. She squeezed my hand, then tugged me toward the grave. "Mommy, here’s Mama Iris. She came to me and takes care of me, just like you promised."

I couldn’t find the words to say. I just kept staring at Wynter, because I saw so much of myself in her. Her actions reminded me so much of my mom. Memories of her flooded my mind, but I stopped myself before I allowed them to take over. They both needed me right now, and I had to be strong for them.

"Nio," I called softly, motioning for him to come closer. He did without hesitation.

"Hey…" he sighed, his voice catching. "Hey, Den!" he choked out, struggling with the words.

"I hope you're not mad at me," he continued, his voice breaking. "I know I've been a terrible husband. I should’ve come to see you, but I couldn't... I just couldn't," he confessed, his emotions spilling out.

"I hope you’ll forgive me. I know you will. You can't possibly stay mad at me forever, can you?" His eyes were filled with desperation as he reached for answers, pleading with the air.

My heart shattered as he sank to the ground, his weight too much to bear. Nothing hurt more than hearing the man you care about fall apart in front of you.

"Den, how could you leave me? In those final moments, you didn’t say anything. You just... left us. You abandoned me and Wynter. You knew we needed you, but you were so selfish. How could you do that?" His anger erupted in a cry of pain, the years of suppressed grief pouring out like a dam breaking.

I rushed to his side, placing a gentle hand on his back. "Hey, hey," I murmured, trying to comfort him. "I know you're hurting, but don't you think Den would want to see you happy? You’ve been carrying this burden for so long... don’t you think it’s time to find peace?" I whispered, my hand soothing his tense back.

He nodded slowly. "I know, Sab. But how do I do that when everything feels so much harder than I imagined?" His voice was heavy, filled with defeat.

"Take it easy," I said, offering him a small smile. "That’s half the battle. Just breathe. Look at Wynter. She’s so strong. If she can keep going, so can we." I glanced at our brave little girl, who had been nothing but a source of strength in this moment. "I did the same thing when I was her age," I added, hoping to offer him a sense of guidance.

"You’re right," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips for the first time. "I wish we could all see the world through her eyes sometimes."

"Just relax, and be at peace when you're with Den," I said, cupping his face gently. "Nothing makes them happier than seeing us at peace."

He nodded again, his eyes closing as he took a deep, steadying breath.

We sat there quietly, the soft rustling of the wind the only sound between us. Nio leaned his head on my shoulder, his body finally seeming to relax. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this small moment of comfort.

I silently made a promise to Denissa. "I will take care of them, Den. I will cherish Wynter as my own, and I will protect her from harm. I promise to be patient with Nio, to help heal the wounds in his heart and guide him back to who he was before." I made the vow while gazing at her grave, my heart swelling with resolve.

Nio’s phone buzzed again, the persistent ringing snapping me back to reality. He didn’t even look at it.

"You should answer it. It might be important," I whispered, lightly brushing his cheek.

He sighed, nodding, and got up to take the call. After a few minutes, he returned, his expression unreadable.

"Who was it?" I asked, curiosity creeping in.

"It was the man I hired to look into your parents' deaths," he said, his voice low and serious.

I froze, my stomach tightening. "Did he find anything?"

"Yes," Nio replied, his tone grave. "He did. He’s coming from Chicago tomorrow to present the findings with proof."

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