I was shocked when my dad introduced his new partner to us at Christmas dinner, one month after my mum died. Amanda, who was only 25 years old, looked young and beautiful, but being around her was like getting hit in the face.
Mom’s memory remained, and her loss was clear. Dad’s rapid changes, like cleaning out her closet, going to the gym and buying her new clothes, made people suspicious. His excitement about Amanda seemed rude.
Amanda came on Christmas Eve, and my dad was very proud to introduce her as my ‘new mum’. Katie’s wine glass broke, which was a metaphor for our hearts.
Dinner was tense. Amanda tried to start a chat, but she failed. I talked to Dad about her and asked him when he met her and if he talked about Mom’s problems.
“Enough!” Dad yelled, but I kept saying, “You’re replacing Mom with someone my age.” “That makes me nervous.”
Amanda opened my present, an old jewellery box with a note that said, “You’ll never replace her.” She ran away, leaving Dad by himself.
He asked, “What did you do?” with a sad face. I responded, “Gave her a dose of reality.” You cannot take Mom’s place.
“You won’t let me live my life!” Dad growled. “Mom’s side of the bed isn’t even cold!” I screamed. Did you love her?”
He replied, “Where dare you?” “I loved her for 30 years.”
I whispered, “Not this way,” tears streaming down my face. “Everything except this.”
Kate and Sarah’s tears were the same colour as mine. Amanda’s tracks went away in the snow, leaving our broken family behind.
Dad says I stopped him from moving on, but I did what was right for Mom’s memory. Amanda wasn’t able to take her place. I did the right thing.
