: : : Sophie : : :
The next morning feels almost dreamlike, as if I’m moving through someone else’s life. My feet are bare against the cool marble floor as I walk into the dining room, and the sight stops me in my tracks.
My dad — William — is sitting at the table beside my half-brother, both of them chatting easily with Kieran, Taylor, and Connor. The scene is so normal it’s almost strange. For a moment, I just stand there, taking it in.
“Morning,” I say, my voice catching slightly. Then I add, “Morning, Dad,”
It’s only two words, but they feel monumental in my mouth — heavy, warm, and unfamiliar in the best way. His head turns instantly as he sees me, his eyes lighting up like I’ve given him the most precious gift in the world. “Good morning, Sophie,” he says, his voice soft but full
