…only to be met with a sight that would haunt my dreams forever.
The room was in shambles, much like the living room. Broken toys and torn pages from children’s books were strewn about. But as my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I saw her—Sophia, my precious little girl, huddled in the corner, her eyes wide with fear. Her clothes were tattered, and grimy tracks of dried tears lined her cheeks.
“Sophia!” I cried, rushing to her side, my heart aching at the sight of her so frightened and vulnerable. I scooped her into my arms, feeling her small body tremble against mine. She clung to me fiercely, burying her face in my neck, her sobs muffled but persistent.
