“Her Son Passed Away Two Years Ago. She Became a Second Mother to His Widow”

Two years had passed since Ruby’s son, Arthur, tragically died in a car accident, leaving behind his young wife, Ariana, and their two small children, Lily and Max. The loss had been devastating for everyone, but amidst the sorrow, Ruby stepped in to support Ariana, almost becoming a second mother to her.

As the holiday season approached, Ruby wanted to ensure that Arthur’s children experienced the joy and warmth of family traditions, despite the gaping hole his absence had left. She planned to prepare Arthur’s favorite dishes, including his beloved variety of creamy salads, which were always a hit during family gatherings.

On Christmas Eve, Ruby was bustling around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and mixing ingredients. She reached for the mayonnaise, a crucial component for the next batch of salads and the special garlic sauce Arthur loved. To her dismay, the jar was nearly empty, and she still had a lot to prepare.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Ruby decided to dash to the nearby supermarket, hoping to find the mayonnaise she needed. The streets were slick with winter ice as she hurried along, the cold biting at her cheeks. She remembered how Arthur used to accompany her on such last-minute shopping trips, always turning them into mini-adventures.

Upon arriving at the supermarket, Ruby’s heart sank. The holiday rush had left the shelves almost bare, with just a few scattered items remaining. She paced down the aisle, her eyes scanning desperately. There, at the back of a lower shelf, were three jars of mayonnaise. Relief washed over her as she reached for them, but as she straightened up, a sudden dizziness gripped her.

The world seemed to spin, and Ruby clutched at her chest. The pain was sharp and growing. Struggling to breathe, she realized she might be having a heart attack. Panicked yet trying to stay calm, she called out for help. A young couple nearby quickly came to her aid, and someone dialed 911.

As Ruby waited for the ambulance, thoughts of Arthur and her grandchildren flooded her mind. She felt a deep regret that she might not be there to see them open their presents or to watch them grow up. The paramedics arrived swiftly and began to administer emergency care, but Ruby’s heart was weary from years of grief and sudden exertion.

At the hospital, despite the doctors’ best efforts, Ruby’s condition worsened. Ariana, who had been preparing the house for Christmas with the children, received a call and rushed to the hospital. Holding Ruby’s hand, Ariana felt the weight of yet another loss. Ruby passed away that night, her last thoughts on her family and her beloved son, Arthur.

The holiday was somber that year. Ariana did her best to keep the traditions alive for Lily and Max, supported by her newfound strength and the memory of Ruby’s unyielding love and support. The joy of the season was tinged with sadness, but Ariana knew she had to carry on for the sake of the children and the family that still surrounded them.