The Final Dress
Daisy, my colleague Margaret Taylors daughter is getting married. They wanted to order a wedding dress from you. Will you take it on? my mother asked one morning.
No, Mum, Ive got far too much work. I cant keep up as it is. Theyll have to find someone else, I replied.
She only wanted you, you know. You really are the best at what you doeveryone says so.
I just cant, honestly…
All right, love… Though theyll be disappointed, of course…
I worked from home and was never short of clients; I had to turn down so many. From childhood, I knew Id be a dressmaker, sewing dresses for my dolls and dreaming of making beautiful clothes for real people. After school, I knew exactly where I wanted to gostraight to fashion college.
I stitched with care, making sure everything fit perfectly. My clients were always delighted, and the work brought in steady money. Even with shops everywhere, so many people preferred something handmade, just for them.
A week later, Mum came to me in tears.
Daisy, its terrible… Margaret Taylors daughter, Emilythe one who wanted the dressshe died in a car crash with her fiancé. They were travelling to see family, and he fell asleep at the wheel. The car hit a tree… They were so young and happy, just about to be married, and now this tragic ending… Therell be a funeral instead of a wedding. Its just awful…
My heart sank. How unfair life could be…
Now her parents will have to buy a wedding dress just to bury Emily in. They never even managed to order one. The pain of having to bury your own child its unthinkable…
I sewed late into the night, my mind buzzing about the tragedy. God hadnt given me any children; the doctors told me I was infertile. Id been devastated at first, but over time, Id made my peace with it. Id just turned forty-threehardly the age for having babies anyway. Thinking of losing a child made me ache for those parents.
Suddenly, the window in my workroom blew open, startling me. How could it open by itself? I got up and closed it, feeling uneasy. But as I went back to my sewing table, I saw a young woman standing by itsee-through, almost like mist. I could see my workroom right through her silhouette.
Right, thats it. Ive worked too much, now Im seeing things. I need to go to bed
Please make me a dress, the girl said softly. I never got to be a bride here, but at least let me wear the dress I want to take with me Its my last dress. Jack and I will be together forever now. It really was meant to be…
Who are you? I stammered, my hands trembling.
Im Emily. Youre the only one who could make the dress I want. I was given the chance to see what comes nextits beautiful, Im not afraid to go, especially with Jack by my side… But I want to be beautiful, just once more…
I stood there in shock. Was this actually happening? This kind of thing only ever seemed to happen in films. It all felt like nonsense.
I just needed to go to bedclearly, I was exhausted and my mind was playing tricks on me. I tucked myself in and fell into a deep sleep. By the morning, I put it out of my mind as a result of tiredness and overactive imagination.
That evening, while tidying up, I saw the ghostly girl again, shimmering gently in the dim light.
You know, Im starting to get used to not being alive… But watching my mother in so much pain, thats harder than anything. I tried to reach her, but shes far too upset to sense me. But you canyou have that gift, not everyone does.
Emily… what happens after the funeral? Do you go to heaven, or how does it work?
My guide said Ill stay around for a while, close to where I lived. Then hell take me where I belong. Theres so much I cant tell you, but Ive seen a lot. Theres nothing to fear about deathits just a different sort of living, and Ill move on from there. When the time is right, Ill come back in a new bodynot necessarily a girls. All I want is to finish this life as a beautiful bride. Please help me.
I managed a helpless shrug. How could I possibly make a dress for a ghost?
I dont even know what you want, or your measurements… And how am I supposed to explain to your family?
Just sew, and dont worry about anything else. Everything will work out. Look, this is the dress.
She spun gently, her dress a vision of white lace and simple beauty. I made close note of the details and the design. It was truly lovely, delicate lacework all around.
Pulling out my sketchbook, I drew the dress as I remembered it. When Id finished, Emily faded away into nothing.
Next morning, I found the sketch right by my sewing kit. So it hadnt been a dream, after all.
I headed into the shops in town, bought the finest lace and fabric I could find, and guessed the sizeshed been slim. When I got home, I started sewing straight away. By evening I was entirely absorbed, when my husband, Nick, shook me from my work.
Daisy, are you all right? You havent been yourself lately.
If I told you, youd think I was mad, honestly. Never mind, just dont worry about it…
Two days later the dress was finished. Easy as breathing, the needle seemed to dance in my handsas if someone was helping me. I dressed the mannequin and admired my work. It was sad that Emily would never live to see herself as a bride…
That evening, Mum turned up with more news.
Youll never believe itthey still havent managed to bury Emily. First, the coroners office held up the body, then theres been endless paperwork… Margaret cant even find a dress anywhere, no one will sell her one for this. Its madness. Shes in pieces.
Mum, I made Emilys dress. She should be buried in it.
But you said you wouldnt, and you never took her measurements…?
Just trust me, Mum. They should take itits meant to be.
The next day, Emilys family picked up the dress. I refused any payment from them.
Emily and Jack were buried together in one ceremony. Remarkably, the dress fit perfectly. Somehow, the family managed to dress her in ither body had gone soft and gentle for them.
She looked so beautiful, lying there, Daisy. She was even smiling… May God bless her and Jack.
A few days later, I dreamed of Emily. She was dancing with Jack, a brilliant smile lighting up her face. They were in a garden like none Id ever seenflowers and plants I didnt recognise, birds singing overhead, and a tinkling stream nearby.
After their dance, Emily turned to me.
Its beautifulthank you! Im happy. And soon youll meet Alice. I helped her find her way to you…
I woke with a start. Emily was happy, the dress had been perfect, so it hadnt been for nothing. Though I still had no clue who Alice was.
I buried myself in work again. Now and then, I visited my friend Grace for a break from sewing. Wed chat over a cup of tea, reminiscing about the old days.
Grace, I havent been well lately, probably my stomachor maybe its just working too much. I havent seen the doctor in ages, and my period stopped long ago; guess the menopause is here. Ill make an appointment with a private doctor tomorrow so I dont have to wait in line.
You really should, Daisy! You cant neglect yourself like this.
***
Mrs. Foster, youre pregnant! Its really quite a surpriseat your age most women struggle to conceive.
That cant beIve been infertile for years. Please check again.
Theres no doubt. Look here on the screenlittle arms and legs, her hearts beating strong. Shes perfectly healthy. And shes a girl. Congratulations!
I left the doctors in tearshappy tears. After all those years, a miracle A little girl! So thats what Emily meantAlice had come to me, my daughter.
I bought a bouquet of flowers and walked across the cemetery, looking for Emilys grave. I found it straight away, as if my feet simply led me there, even though Id never been before.
Thank you, Emily. Youve given me the greatest gift, my child… I hope you and Jack are happy, wherever you are.
Leaving the bouquet, I made my way home, rubbing my belly and smiling. If I hadnt made that dress, Alice would never have come to me. Do good, and it will find its way back to you…
