The parents of nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, who was killed during a Taylor Swift dance lesson in Southport, wrote a letter to their daughter which was read at her funeral on Sunday.
Several hundred citizens lined a street in the Merseyside town to honor Alice, and many stood outside and listened to the service.
This is what Sergio and Alexandra wrote:
Dear Alice,
You were our perfect dream child. From the moment you arrived, everything was idyllic.
A good girl with strong values and a kind nature, an animal lover and a budding environmentalist.
With your confidence and empathy you have moved our worlds.
Playful, energetic, friendly and always very respectful. A peacemaker on the playground.
“Don’t scream” is a house rule you’ve followed. A big task for a little girl, especially in a Portuguese household.
It was a privilege to be near you. We enjoyed every milestone. You made us complete.
In nine short years, we never needed a break from you. We never sacrificed our time for anything that didn’t involve you, and when we did, we always did it separately so you could always have one of us with you.
They were born and raised in love.
And we loved cuddling with you every night for nearly nine years. Aside from sleepovers and nights with your friends, we were never apart.
You loved sleeping with Mom and Dad, closing the curtains and watching Disney+ with popcorn.
Our room was your place of comfort. You were our comfort and our peace.
As you grew from princess to teenager, we noticed some changes and saw your independence take shape.
From your skincare routine to playing with makeup to your commitment to school, dance and your faith.
Your to-do list was extensive and we were sure you would get it done if you only had the time.
We talked about what kind of secondary school you could go to, about growing up in a big house with a garden and having children – children we will never help you raise.
It hurts. We’ll never see you grow up.
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First funeral in Southport takes place
The day before your last fight, Mom asked you so many times if you were okay that both you and Dad asked why.
Part of me wondered if I was being too British, but ultimately I realized that I always wanted to know that you were okay.
Now Mom feels sorry for Dad. She saw things that no one should see.
You were taken from us too soon. And we often ask why?
Why here? Why us? Why you? We wonder if you have ever thought of us or called for us.
We wonder if you were in pain. We hope not, my love.
We then ask ourselves: Could this have been avoided? Could we have stopped it somehow?
Many questions repel us and we will never overcome this pain – but we are promised to get all the answers.
Mom has seen too much and we need to know.
Read more: Last photo of Southport victim as hundreds line streets for funeral
We are shocked and feel unimaginable pain. We miss you.
Every now and then the pin drops. When Mom says, “Goodnight, Sergio, goodnight, Alice,” and then it hits us all over again.
We don’t hear any response from you.
It will be hard to keep going. Some days will be better than others, but none will be perfect.
Sometimes we are weak and say wild things, but we promised each other to always be there for each other in moments of desperation. A finger promise.
We have a strong bond and can always rely on each other. We will not be alone.
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We are surrounded by a wonderful community and its unconditional support: family and friends, neighbors, co-workers, the wonderful service members who serve the community, your school, your church, and all your friends and their parents.
We have the full support of the country and the privilege of multiplying that by two. For that we are grateful. Now just keep dancing, our beloved angel.
Mom and Dad will always, always love you.
