Alix lay fast asleep on the bed, her small body curled up in a ball, her face still tear-stained from the emotional reunion with her father, Alex. He sat beside her, gently stroking her hair, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and regret.
Just then, Alix stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked up at her father, her gaze still cloudy from sleep.
"Daddy?" she whispered, her voice soft.
"Hey, kiddo," Alex replied, smiling gently. "How are you feeling?"
Alix sat up, rubbing her eyes. "I had a bad dream," she said, her voice trembling.
Alex pulled her into a warm embrace. "It's okay, sweetie. I'm here for you. You're safe now."
As they hugged, Alix's eyes welled up again. "Daddy, why can't you and Mommy live together?"
Alex sighed, his heart heavy with sorrow. "We love you very much, Alix, but sometimes grown-ups have problems they can't fix. But we'll always be your parents, and we'll always love you, no matter what."
