The Secret Garden of Olivia

"A fairy tale of love, loss, and the connection that infinitely remains."

Once upon a time, in a quiet meadow where the wildflowers danced with the breeze and the sunlight kissed every petal with gold, a girl in a soft floral dress wandered barefoot, humming to the rhythm of the earth. A crown of freshly picked blooms rested atop her head, each one chosen with love—reminders of beauty, of strength, and of someone whose spirit never truly left her side. 

Though her heart carried the weight of grief, it also pulsed with wonder. She twirled through the fields, letting her fingers brush against lavender and baby’s breath, gathering pieces of peace she didn’t know she was looking for. Then, beneath the curtain of a weeping willow, she spotted something hidden—an arched wooden door, just tall enough for her to step through, but too small for anyone else. It seemed made just for her. The door glowed faintly, as if touched by starlight and magic.

Drawn by something she didn’t fully understand, she put her hand on the wrought iron knob and gently pushed it open.

Suddenly, the air shifted. Warmer. Sweeter. Timeless. She stepped through and found herself in a secret garden—one unlike anything she’d ever imagined. Flowers bloomed in every color and shape, alive with a shimmer of magic. Butterflies swirled like confetti. In the distance, a tall mountain waterfall tumbled down smooth stone, its mist catching the sun to cast a rainbow—a brilliant arc that stretched across the garden like a bridge.

Standing just on the other side of that rainbow bridge, waiting in the glow of the mist, was Olivia.

Whole. Radiant. Free. Her familiar eyes sparkled, filled with knowing. The girl’s breath caught in her throat, and her soul surged with something she hadn’t felt in so long—peace.

She took a step forward. “Olivia...”

There was no spoken answer. Instead, the girl heard her in the most familiar of ways—not in words, but in the quiet certainty of their bond. Olivia's response filled her mind like a thought she’d always known: “You made it. I’ve been waiting for you.” While wiggling around in the girls arms while they both made sounds of joy.

Together, they began to walk—but true to who she was, Olivia was filled with joy, running ahead off-leash like she always loved. She darted through fields of gold and rose, bounding between blossoms and sunshine, only to double back to make sure she she was will close enough to the girl and and put her paws on the girl’s hand before taking off again. She never got too far. She never really had.And the girl? She walked more slowly, soaking in every step, every scent. It was here, in this sacred space beyond the rainbow, that she realized—this was the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. The very place where love waits. Where love continues.

They wandered through the garden Olivia fitting perfectly in the girls arms like the perfect last piece placed in a puzzle, brushing their fingers and fur over the very flowers Olivia had once sent from beyond. Each bloom—Easter lilies, pink carnations, tiny forget-me-nots—held whispers of love tucked into petals. The bluebells for peace. The orange blossoms for joy.

Just then, a vibrant orange butterfly danced through the air, circling them before drifting toward the sky. “That one’s for Gramsey.” Olivia’s voice echoed in the girl’s heart.

A small orange ladybug landed on the girl's wrist, its delicate wings glowing like sunlight. “She’s my little messenger,” came the familiar knowing in the girl’s mind. “I send her when you need to remember I’m near.” “Tell her I see her grief. And I send her strength.”

The two of them sat beside the waterfall, where the mist shimmered like silver lace. The rainbow above arced wide and gentle, wrapping the world in warmth. The girl nestled her head down by Olivia. 

“Is it beautiful here?” she asked, though her soul already knew the answer.

“It’s beautiful because I get to watch over you,” Olivia replied—her presence as clear as the breeze. “I see the love you give even when you feel empty. I see your strength in your tears. I’m proud of you every day.”

They didn’t need many words. Their silence was full. Their story was written in every heartbeat, in every flower, in every color of the rainbow.

Finally, Olivia looked at her with that familiar gaze. “You still have so much more to do. So many lives to touch. So much beauty to create. But I’ll be right here—everywhere. In the wind. In the petals. In the pink and lavender sky.”

With a hug that wrapped the girl in warmth she could never describe.

The garden began to gently fade.

The girl awoke beneath the willow tree, sunlight dappling her dress. In her hand was a single pink flower. On her shoulder, a tiny orange ladybug. And in her heart, peace.

Because now, she knew for certain—love like theirs doesn’t end. It simply blooms in new ways.

Dedicated to Olivia, who brought light, laughter, and unconditional love into every moment. May her spirit bloom in every flower and her presence be felt in every breeze.

Forever missed. Forever loved by me, the girl who got to be loved by Olivia.