The Last Dress
Darling, my colleague Paulines daughter is getting married, and theyd like to order a wedding gown from you. Would you take it on?
No, Mum, Ive got far too much work, cant possibly fit it in. Theyll have to find another seamstress.
They really wanted only you, you know. Youre so talented, and everyone recommends you.
I really cant, Mum
All right. Theyll be disappointed, Im sure
Sophie worked from home, and clients were never in short supplyshe often had to turn people away. Shed known shed be a dressmaker since she was a child, sewing clothes for her dolls. After finishing school, there was never any question about her path.
Her work was meticulous, and her outfits always fit perfectly. Clients adored her. She genuinely took pleasure in her work, and it provided a good income too. Even with all the shops in town, many still preferred bespoke tailoring.
A week later, Sophies mum appeared in tears.
Darling, such a tragedy Paulines daughter, Emily, the one who wanted the dress, she died in a car crash with her fiancé. They were driving to visit family in Manchester, and apparently he dozed off at the wheel. The car left the road and crashed into a tree. So young, so full of life, looking forward to their weddingand now, instead of a wedding, theres a funeral Its just awful.
Sophie was heartbroken. Life could be so cruel.
Now her parents will have to buy a wedding dress to bury her in They never had time to commission one. Oh, the horror of having to bury your own daughter
That night, while working into the small hours, Sophie couldnt stop thinking about the tragedy. She and her husband had never been blessed with childrendoctors had told her years ago she was infertile. Shed struggled with it for a time but eventually made peace. At 43, she knew her childbearing years were behind her. The thought of losing a child was overwhelming, and her heart ached for the grieving parents.
Suddenly, a cold draught swept the room and the window flew open. Confused, Sophie hurried over to close it, baffled that it could have happened on its own.
As she turned back to her sewing table, she caught sight of a girl standing nearbypale, almost translucent, her outline barely visible against the room.
Well, now Im really seeing thingsmust be overtired, Sophie muttered.
Please, could you make a dress for me? the apparition said softly. I never managed to wear a wedding gown in life; at least let me pass on in something beautiful. This will be my last dress. Tom and I will be together forever now. Thats how its meant to be
Sophie stared. Who are you? Is this some kind of joke?
Im Emily Only you can make the dress as I want it.
She continued gently, Ive been allowed to see what comes next, and its truly beautiful. Im not frightenedespecially since Tom will be there. But I so dearly want to look lovely, just once more…
Sophie was bewildered. Was this really happening? This sort of thing only happened in films. She must be imagining things, thinking of tragedy till she dreamed up ghosts. She marched off to bed, dismissing it all as exhaustion.
Next morning, back to her sewing, Sophie convinced herself it was just an overactive imagination.
That evening though, tidying her workroom, she again saw the same ethereal figure, drifting like mist.
Im getting used to this state, Emily said quietly. But its hard to watch Mum, shes in such agony. I tried to reach her, but shes too distraught. She cant feel my presencebut you can. Not everyone is able.
But Emily, what happens after the funeral? Will you go to heaven, or is it something else?
My guide says Ill remain here for a while, where I lived. Then, when its time, hell take me on. There are things I cant reveal, but theres nothing to fear from deathits another path, another life. When the time comes, Ill return, perhaps in another body, not necessarily a girl. I just want to finish this journey as a beautiful bride. Please help me.
Sophie could only shrug in confusion. How could someone sew a dress for a ghost, by request?
Ive no idea what style you want, or your measurements And how do I explain any of this to your parents?
Just make the dress, dont worry about the rest. Everything will work out. Here, let me show you what it should look like.
Emily twirled around, her figure suddenly enveloped in a beautiful white lace gown, then paused. Sophie watched every detail, noting the fine lace, the simple elegance.
Sophie started sketching immediately, focusing on each element until she finished. As soon as she put the pencil down, the apparition dissolved into a wisp of nothing.
The next morning, Sophie eyed her sketchso it was real, then, not a dream. Determined, she went to the fabric shop, picked out the most exquisite lace and finest white satin, and guessed the sizeEmily had been rather slender. Back home, she got to work without pause. By evening, she was only roused when her husband, Peter, shook her gently.
Soph, are you all right? Youve seemed miles away these last few days. Is everything okay?
She hesitated. Id tell you, Pete, but you wouldnt believe meyoud think I was losing the plot Dont be offended if I keep it to myself.
In two days, the dress was finishedshed never had anything come together so quickly, as if an invisible hand helped her. Placing the dress on her mannequin, she admired the delicate seamwork. Such a cruel shame Emily never had her day as a bride.
That evening, Sophies mum arrived with news.
Can you believe it? They still havent managed to bury Emily First, they wouldnt release the body, then all sorts of paperwork delays And now they cant find a dressno one will sell them one, its unheard of! Pauline is beside herself.
Mum, Ive made the dress. Emily can wear it for the funeral.
Sophie, but how? You didnt want to do it, you never got her measurements
Just trust me on this, Mum. Let them take itits how its meant to be.
The next day, Emilys family collected the dress. Sophie refused to take any money.
Emily and Tom were buried together. Somehow the dress fit perfectlythe undertakers said her body became soft and supple long enough to dress her.
Mum, she lay there looking so radiant, she even seemed to be smiling God rest her, and Tom too.
A few days on, Sophie dreamt of Emilydancing with Tom in a glorious garden, with strange, beautiful flowers, birds singing, the burble of a brook in the distance. Emily turned, her face aglow.
Its perfectthank you! Im happy! And soon, a little Alice will come into your life. I helped her find her way to you.
Sophie woke with a start. Emily was happy, shed loved the dressit had all been worth it. But who was this Alice that Emily had mentioned?
Sophie threw herself back into her work. Now and then, she visited her friend, Claire, for a cup of tea and a natter to distract herself.
Claire, I havent been feeling great lately, think I overdid it. My stomachs been offand my cycles stopped. Might be the change, I suppose. Ill get checked tomorrow, privatelyno waiting rooms for me!
Soph, its about time! You work yourself into the ground!
***
Sophia, youre pregnant. Its a bit unusual at your ageits often tricky for women in their forties.
She laughed bitterly. You cant be serious. I was told I was infertile years ago. Double-check, please.
Theres no doubt. Lookarms, legs, heartbeat, all healthy. And youre having a little girl. Congratulations!
Sophie left the clinic in tearstears of happiness. It was a miracle, after all those years A daughter. Of coursethe Alice Emily had spoken about was her own future child.
Sophie bought a bouquet of fresh flowers and made her way through the churchyard, searching for Emilys grave. Strangely, she found it without hesitationher feet seemed to know which way to turn.
Thank you, Emily. You gave me the greatest giftmy little girl. I hope you and Tom have found peace together.
Placing the flowers on the grave, Sophie went home, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she stroked her bump. If she hadnt sewn the dress, there would be no child Show kindness, and it will always find its way back to you.
