Nia's POV
"Nia and I—" Juan started, his words hanging in the air, threatening to reveal the secret that had been weighing heavily on my conscience.
"Wait," Sofia halted Juan just as he was about to continue speaking. "Is it more bad news?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear. "Because if it is, I don't want to hear it anymore. Please, take me back home," she pleaded, turning to retreat to the car, leaving Juan and me standing behind.
"I can't bear to see her like this," I confessed to Juan, feeling overwhelmed. He squeezed my hand gently, offering silent comfort. "She'll be okay, Nia," he reassured me. "Let's go home," he suggested.
This time, Sofia didn't take the front seat. She settled in the back and drifted off to sleep halfway through the drive. I sat beside her, letting her rest her head on my lap as I stroked her hair throughout the ride.
