When my fiancé passed away suddenly, my world shattered. But just as I was trying to cope with the overwhelming grief, I heard something impossible—his voice, calling out to me from beyond the grave. What began as a spark of hope quickly twisted into a terrifying nightmare, leading me to a truth I never saw coming.

Growing up in foster care, I often dreamt of what it would be like to have a family of my own. I longed for the warmth and love I saw in others—a life where people truly cared for each other. When I met Robert, it felt like I had finally found that dream. He was kind, funny, and loving, and his big, welcoming family made me feel like I belonged from the moment we met. Sunday dinners at his parents’ house felt like something out of a movie, where everyone laughed, shared stories, and made me feel safe.

Robert’s mom treated me like a daughter, always making sure I was included in every family tradition. His dad, a gentle giant with a booming laugh, would sneak me extra pie at dinner and give me a wink, making me feel like I was already part of the family.

Then, one beautiful evening in the park, Robert proposed. His eyes sparkled with joy as he asked me to marry him, and I said yes through happy tears. Our future felt so full of promise, especially when we found out we were expecting twins. We spent hours imagining the kind of parents we would be and dreaming about the family we would create together.

But everything changed in an instant. It was a Thursday when I got the call. Robert had been in a terrible accident. I raced to the hospital, my heart pounding in fear. When I arrived, the doctor’s face said it all. Robert was gone. There was nothing they could do.