"Much better," I said. "Thank you, Sofia. Thank you for your magic."
She laughed happily, then ran toward the door. I walked her to the yard, watching her nimbly crawl back through the fence. Before disappearing into the house, she turned and waved at me.
I waved back, then stood there looking at that house, my mind churning with countless thoughts.
Anna was inside. Our daughter had just returned there. Did she know Sofia had come to see me? How would she react? Would she become more vigilant, more determined to flee?
But I wouldn't let her run again.
Whether she wanted to or not, we had to talk.
Because that child—our daughter—had changed everything. She'd healed my pain with her presence. This wasn't a coincidence. This was the power of blood.
And she deserved to know the truth.
She deserved to have a father.
I turned and went back inside, my mind made up.
No matter what concerns Anna had, no matter how much she wanted to avoid this—
I wouldn't let go again.
Chapter Ten
Anna
Saturday afternoon.
My editor suddenly called me back to the office to handle some urgent articles—they needed to be reviewed today for Monday's release.
I wanted to refuse, but it was my first week on the job, and I couldn't risk seeming uncooperative. Sofia was five now; she could manage on her own at home while I popped out to the store. A few hours at the office should be okay.
Before heading out, I repeated the instructions. "Mommy's going to work for a little while. I'll be back soon. Stay inside and play with your toys. Don't wander off, especially not next door—"
"I know, Mom. I'm not three anymore," Sofia interrupted, a bit impatiently. "You've said it a million times."
"Alright, I'm leaving." I kissed her forehead. "Call me if anything happens."
She nodded and ran off to her toys. I took one last look, closed the door, and left.
Halfway through the overtime, a sudden wave of unease washed over me.
That maternal instinct—something was wrong with Sofia.
I called home. It rang and rang, no answer. I tried again. Still nothing.
My heart leaped into my throat. Where was she? Why wasn't she answering?
Terrible thoughts flooded my mind—had she fallen? Gotten lost? Or...
I abandoned my work, jumped in the car, and raced home, my heart pounding like a drum.
I burst through the door to an empty living room.
"Sofia?" I called, my voice cracking with panic. "Sofia, where are you?"
No response.
