Dear Reader,

This story is part of the collection *Bedside Stories for Empaths*. It's a gentle reminder that even when someone has passed, their love doesn't end - it simply changes form. May this story bring you warmth and a sense of connection to those you hold dear.

With love,

- Mia

"Even from the other side, love finds a way to reach us."- Mia

Walter had always been a man of habit. Every morning, he drank his coffee black, read the newspaper, and scrolled through his phone, catching up on texts from his kids and grandkids.

So when he passed away in his sleep at the age of 86, it didn't take long for him to realize something was missing.

As he stood at the pearly gates, Saint Peter gave him a warm smile. "Welcome to Heaven, Walter. You lived a good life."

Walter nodded, taking it all in. The golden streets, the soft glow of eternity - it was beautiful. Peaceful.

But then he patted his pockets.

"Wait a minute," Walter muttered, feeling around his jacket. He reached into his coat and, to his great relief, pulled out his cell phone. He had managed to sneak it in.

Saint Peter squinted. "You weren't supposed to bring that."

Walter grinned. "Well, I did."

Peter sighed but let him through. "Just? don't cause too much trouble."

Walter stepped into Heaven, his eyes wide with wonder. Everything was perfect. Too perfect. The silence, the serenity - it felt like?

Boredom.

Back on Earth, Walter had spent hours calling his daughter, leaving voicemails when she didn't answer. He sent his grandkids funny memes. He played crossword puzzles before bed. Life had been noisy, chaotic, and full.

He wasn't ready to let that go.

So, sitting on a cloud near a glowing river, Walter did what he always did when he had free time. He picked up his phone and made a call.

To his daughter.

It rang and rang.

Then went to voicemail.

Walter frowned but left a message. "Hey, sweetheart. Just checking in. I know you're busy, but call your old man back when you get a chance."

He tried his grandson next. Same result.

For days, Walter tried calling, texting - even sending an email. But nothing went through.

It wasn't until an angel named Gabriel floated by that Walter got his answer.

"You do know cell service doesn't reach Earth from up here, right?" Gabriel chuckled.

Walter huffed. "Well, that's just poor planning."

Gabriel smirked. "What's so urgent, anyway?"

Walter leaned back. "I just want to check in. Let them know I'm okay."

Gabriel studied him for a moment before snapping his fingers. "Alright, old man. Let's try something different."

Suddenly, Walter's phone buzzed. A new app appeared on his screen.

"The Whispers App"

"What's this?" Walter asked, tapping it open.

Gabriel winked. "Try sending a message."

Walter hesitated, then typed:

Hey, sweetheart. I know you miss me. I miss you too. But I'm still here. Look for me in the small things. The warmth of the sun. The smell of coffee. The laughter of your children. I'll always be with you.

He hit send.

Back on Earth, Walter's daughter sat on the couch, staring at an old picture of him on her phone. Suddenly, a strange thought entered her mind - his voice, whispering to her.

She blinked.

The smell of fresh coffee filled the air, though no one had brewed any.

Tears welled in her eyes. "Hi, Dad," she whispered.

In Heaven, Walter smiled as his phone vibrated with a response.

Message Received.

The Lesson:

Love never truly disappears. Even when someone is gone, they find ways to reach us - through memories, signs, and the quiet whispers in our hearts.