…what I saw wrenched the air from my lungs.
Sophia was huddled in the corner, a tiny figure swathed in a blanket far too big for her small frame. Her hair was tangled around her face, her eyes wide and glossy with terror. She was unharmed—physically, at least—but the fear etched into her features told me stories words could never capture.
I flew to her side, gathering her up into my arms, feeling her tremble against me. Her tears soaked my shoulder, each sob a dagger into my heart. “Mommy’s here, baby. Mommy’s here,” I whispered, rocking her gently, trying to pour comfort into the shattered pieces of our reality.
