"Sorry," she said firmly, sounding irritated. "That seat is saved for my child."
The man glanced at her with eyes that seemed familiar and full of unexpected emotion. He got up looking nervous.
"I apologize," he said nervously, his voice shaking. "I didn't intend to make you upset."
"And who are you?" Jennifer asked angrily, feeling both confused and upset.
Before the man could answer, John came next to her and put a comforting hand on her arm. "Jen, please wait," he said quietly. "I have important information to tell you."
Jennifer stared at John, feeling more and more puzzled. "What is happening?"
John took a deep breath and looked sad yet hopeful as he started to talk. "He is Paul," he said, pointing to the man sitting down. "He has a purpose for being here, sitting where Rowley usually sits."
Paul moved closer, looking directly at Jennifer. "Recently, I got a letter." It wasn't directly from Rowley, but it was about him," he began, his voice trembling.
Jennifer's heart began to beat faster. "What are you trying to say?"
Paul took a deep breath, tears starting to form in his eyes. "Long ago, I had a serious accident and had to get a new heart through a transplant." I was lucky to receive an organ donor. And the person who donated was Rowley, your son.
Jennifer felt dizzy. She extended her hand and held onto John's arm to steady herself. "What are you talking about?"
With tears running down his face, Paul said, "Your son rescued me." If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here right now. I heard about your wedding, and I wanted to come and thank you in person. To inform you that a piece of Rowley continues to exist, living on.
Jennifer's legs became shaky, and John supported her. She gazed at Paul, who had a grateful look in his eyes, and felt a rush of emotions come over her. She cried as she moved closer to Paul.
"So, let me get this straight..." "Are you alive thanks to Rowley?" She spoke quietly.
Paul agreed, his voice showing strong feelings. "Sure." And I will always be grateful to him, and to you.
Jennifer felt a strong mix of sadness and thankfulness in her heart. She extended her arms and hugged Paul tightly. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice cracking. "Thank you for coming."
Paul and Jennifer hugged each other. John came over to them, and the three of them stood together, united by a strong connection built on shared experiences of sadness and optimism. The empty seat now had someone sitting on it, embodying Rowley's spirit in a way Jennifer had never thought possible.
The rest of the evening was full of happiness and a stronger feeling of being connected. Jennifer felt happy and touched to see that Rowley's memory lived on in a surprising and beautiful manner.