Everything seemed under control. But when I returned, Sophie clung to me, trembling. “Daddy, new mom is different when you’re gone.”
My heart stumbled. “What do you mean, sweetheart?”
Her lip quivered. “She locks herself in the attic room. I hear weird noises. It’s scary, Daddy! She says I can’t go in, and… and she’s mean.”
I tried to stay calm. “Mean how, Sophie?”
“She makes me clean my whole room all by myself. And she won’t let me have ice cream even when I’m good. I thought new mommy liked me, but…”
She burst into tears. I held her close, my mind racing. Amelia had been spending hours in the attic even before my trip, always saying she was “organizing things.” I hadn’t thought much of it. But now, doubt gnawed at me. Had I been so desperate for a happy ending that I overlooked something important?
That evening, Sophie stood outside the attic door. “What’s in there, Daddy?” she asked, pressing her hand against it.
I wished I knew. “Probably just old things, sweetie. Come on, it’s bedtime.”
But sleep wouldn’t come. I lay awake, shadows dancing across the ceiling, haunted by Sarah’s final promise I’d made—to keep Sophie safe, to surround her with love. When Amelia slipped out of bed at midnight, I followed. From the bottom of the stairs, I watched her unlock the attic door and slip inside.
Acting on impulse, I hurried up and pushed the door open. My jaw dropped.
The attic had been transformed into something magical. Pastel walls, shelves lined with Sophie’s favorite books, a cozy window seat piled with pillows. An easel with art supplies stood in one corner, fairy lights twinkled across the ceiling, and a child-sized tea table waited with delicate china cups and a stuffed bear in a bow tie.
Amelia spun around, startled. “I… I was hoping to finish before I showed you. I wanted it to be a surprise—for Sophie.”
The room was breathtaking, but Sophie’s words echoed in my mind. “It’s beautiful, Amelia, but… Sophie says you’ve been very strict. No ice cream, making her clean alone. Why?”
Her shoulders slumped. “Strict? I thought I was helping her become independent. I know I’ll never replace Sarah, and I’m not trying to. I just wanted to do everything right. To be a good mother.” Her voice cracked. “But I’ve been doing everything wrong, haven’t I?”
I softened. “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be there.”
