My Son Died, but My 5-Year-Old Daughter Said She Saw Him in the Neighbor’s Window – When I Knocked at Their Door, I Couldn’t Believe My Eyes

Before I could talk myself out of it, I threw on my coat and crossed the street.

Up close, the house looked ordinary. A little worn, but warm. There were two potted plants by the steps and a wind chime that tinkled softly in the breeze. My heart raced as I rang the doorbell.

I almost turned back before the door opened.

A woman in her mid-30s stood there. Her soft brown hair was pulled into a messy ponytail.

“Hi,” I said quickly, my voice trembling. “I’m sorry to bother you. I live across the street. Grace, from the white house. I… uh…” I hesitated, feeling ridiculous. “This might sound strange, but my daughter keeps saying she sees a little boy in your window. And yesterday, I thought I did too.”

Her eyebrows lifted, then softened into understanding.

“Oh,” she said. “That must be Noah.”

“Noah?” I repeated.

She nodded, leaning against the doorframe. “My nephew. He’s staying with us for a few weeks while his mom’s in the hospital. He’s eight.”

Eight.

“The same age as my son,” I whispered without meaning to.

She tilted her head gently. “You have an eight-year-old, too?”

I swallowed hard. “Had,” I said quietly. “We lost him a month ago.”

Her eyes softened with sympathy. “Oh, I’m so sorry. That’s awful.” She hesitated, lowering her voice. “Noah’s a sweet boy, but a little shy. He loves to draw by that window. He told me there’s a girl across the street who waves sometimes. He thought maybe she wanted to play.”

I stood frozen on her porch, trying to process her words.

There were no ghosts or miracles. It was just a boy who was unknowingly pulling my daughter and me out of our grief.

“I think she does want to play,” I finally said, smiling weakly.

The woman smiled back. “I’m Megan,” she said, extending a hand.

“Grace,” I replied, shaking it softly.

“Come by anytime,” she said. “I’ll tell Noah to say hi next time he sees your daughter.”

As I turned to leave, my throat tightened. I was relieved but also felt sad. While walking back home, I kept thinking about my conversation with Megan.

And when I stepped inside, Ella came running up to me.

“Mommy, did you see him?” she asked eagerly. Continue reading…

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