Michael, a single father, was left with his 8-year-old daughter after his wife died in a car accident. He thought he was managing well and that his daughter was coping with her mother’s death. But one day, she approached him and said she saw her mom at school every day.

Michael mourned the loss of his wife, Simone, every day. Just a few months ago, she had died in a car accident, but her body was never found because she had fallen into a river.

This left Michael alone with his 8-year-old daughter, Hannah. Determined to stay strong for her, Michael moved to another city to escape the painful memories that filled their old town. He knew Hannah had already lost her mother; he couldn’t let her lose him, too.

Hannah slowly adapted to her new school and even seemed happy. Michael, on the other hand, had to learn to be both a father and a mother.

He taught himself how to style Hannah’s hair, woke up early every morning to make her breakfast and pack her lunch, and even learned some ballet moves to practice with her at home.

Simone had enrolled Hannah in ballet, believing she would be a great ballerina one day. Michael kept that dream alive, and it kept a part of Simone alive in her.

Today, Michael had finished work early and decided to pick up Hannah from school, a rare treat since she usually took the bus. He waited in the car outside the school, excitement bubbling inside him.

Soon, Hannah ran out of the school. Michael honked the horn to get her attention, and she waved cheerfully, sprinting toward the car. She hopped in, throwing her backpack onto the back seat.

“Hi, Dad!” Hannah said with a big smile as she got into the car.

“Hi, sweetheart. How was school today?” Michael asked, starting to drive.

“It was good. Everyone praised me for my math. All the work we did yesterday really helped,” Hannah replied proudly.

Hannah’s smile faded. “But Mom still ignores me,” she said sadly.

Michael’s heart skipped a beat. He hit the brakes harder than he meant to. “What do you mean, Hannah? Do you talk to her?” he asked, his voice full of worry.

“Yes, every day,” Hannah said. “But she pretends she doesn’t know me.”

Michael sighed and started driving again, feeling a heavy weight on his chest. “Hannah, your mom is in a better place now. It’s far away, and she can’t respond to you. But she hears everything you say and loves you very much.”

Hannah looked confused. “What do you mean? She’s not far away. She’s at school. I see her every day,” she insisted.

Michael glanced at her, puzzled. “What? I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

Hannah groaned in frustration. “Dad, what’s not to understand? Mom cleans our school every morning when I get there. But when I talk to her, she says she doesn’t know me. I think she’s mad because I want to quit ballet,” she said.

“You want to quit ballet?” Michael asked, surprised.

Yes. I don’t like it anymore. Mom wanted me to do ballet, but now she doesn’t even talk to me,” Hannah said.

“Hannah, you’re not quitting ballet,” Michael said firmly.

“I will!” Hannah shot back, her voice rising.

“No!” Michael shouted louder than he intended. Hannah’s eyes widened in fear. He took a deep breath and softened his tone. “I’m sorry, but you’re not quitting ballet. We’re not discussing this.”

“But…” Hannah started to say.

Michael cut her off. “It’s not up for discussion. Now let’s go to school, and you show me your mom.”

“She’s not there now. She only comes in the mornings,” Hannah replied.

“Then tomorrow, I’ll go to school with you, and you can show me,” Michael said, determined to understand what was going on.

“Okay, you’ll see I’m telling the truth. You don’t believe me now,” Hannah said quietly.

Michael sighed, his heart aching for his daughter.

For the rest of the day, Michael couldn’t find peace. His mind kept racing with thoughts of Hannah seeing visions of Simone. He had thought Hannah was coping well with her mother’s death.

She had been calm and cheerful since their move to the new city. But now, it seemed he was wrong.

The next day, Michael took Hannah to school and went inside with her. All morning, Hannah kept repeating that she wasn’t lying and that he would soon see for himself.

“Where is she?” Michael asked as they walked through the school corridors, his eyes scanning the halls.

“I don’t know. We need to find her,” Hannah replied, looking around anxiously.

They walked further, passing classrooms and offices. Suddenly, Hannah shouted, “There! Mom!” She pointed at a cleaner standing with her back to them. Michael froze, his heart pounding.

From behind, the woman did look like Simone. Hannah ran up to her and gently tugged on her sleeve. Michael approached slowly, his mind racing.

When the woman turned around, Michael realized it wasn’t Simone. The resemblance had been uncanny from behind, but up close, it was clear she was a stranger.

“Oh, you’re not my mom,” Hannah said. She stepped back, her shoulders slumping.

“Unfortunately not, sweetie,” the woman replied kindly, giving Hannah a gentle smile.