And now here we were, face to face under the worst possible circumstances.
"Mommy?" Sofia squirmed in my arms. "What's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything?"
Her voice jolted me back to the present.
"I'm sorry," I managed, my voice sounding hollow and distant. "She didn't mean to bother you. We'll leave you alone."
"Wait—" he began.
But I had already spun around, rushing back into the house with Sofia, slamming the door behind us.
I collapsed against the door, my legs threatening to give out entirely.
Heart hammering, lungs burning, the sound of my own blood roaring in my ears.
He'd seen me. He'd recognized me. Worse still—he'd seen Sofia.
"Mommy, what's happening?" Sofia peered up at me, those brown eyes swimming with concern. "Your hands are burning up, and you look so pale. Are you feeling sick?"
Those eyes.
Exactly like his.
"I'm fine, baby." I forced what I hoped resembled a smile, setting her gently on her feet. "Mommy's just... a little overwhelmed."
"But you seem frightened," she said, tilting her head with that perceptive way children have. "Is it because of that man? Is he dangerous?"
"No!" The word exploded out of me, making Sofia jump back. "I mean... he's not dangerous. Mommy just doesn't want you to talk to strangers."
"But he was so nice," Sofia protested, confusion clouding her features. "He helped me with my ball, and he said he'd be happy to help us anytime. He lives all by himself—he seemed lonely. I thought maybe I could visit him sometimes and we could play—"
"Absolutely not." I dropped to my knees, gripping her small shoulders, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Sofia, listen very carefully. You cannot go see that man again. Do you understand me?"
"Why not?" Tears began pooling in her eyes. "What did I do wrong?"
"You didn't do anything wrong," I said, taking a shaky breath. "It's just... Mommy doesn't feel comfortable with you spending time with strangers. It's not safe."
"But you always said neighbors are just people who live nearby, and that we can be friends with them—"
"This is different." I cut her off more harshly than intended. "You are not to go near him again. Is that clear?"
Sofia's tears spilled over. "I don't understand! How is this different?"
Watching her cry felt like someone was tearing my heart in half.
But I couldn't relent.
I couldn't let her anywhere near him.
If he discovered the truth...
"Please, Sofia." I pulled her into my arms. "Mommy is only trying to protect you."
She sobbed against my shoulder, her tiny body shaking.
I squeezed my eyes shut, battling my own tears.
I'm sorry,sweetheart.
