The doll had been her late daughter Clara’s final gift, recorded in secret for her birthday. Hearing her child’s voice again was overwhelming, but also healing.

We stood together in silence, two mothers connected by love and loss, neither needing many words. Before leaving, I invited Miriam to visit us, feeling that our meeting wasn’t an accident but an opening—something meant to continue.

Miriam became part of our lives in quiet, meaningful ways. She shared Clara’s toys and stories with Eve, teaching her crafts, baking beside her, and watching her when I worked late. She never tried to replace anyone, and neither did we.