Chapter 5
Sofia's days at Blackwood Manor quickly fell into a routine, though "routine" was hardly the right word to describe life with four-year-old Lily. The little girl was a bundle of energy and curiosity, her giggles echoing through the grand halls and her imagination transforming the manor into a world of endless possibilities.
One crisp morning, Sofia found herself being tugged out to the garden by Lily, who was clutching a small wicker basket.
"We're going on a picnic, Miss Paterson!" Lily declared, her small face glowing with excitement.
"A picnic?" Sofia asked, adjusting her scarf against the chill. "Shouldn't we pack food first?"
Lily giggled, her brown curls bouncing as she skipped ahead. "We're pretending! You bring the invisible sandwiches, and I'll bring the invisible tea."
Sofia laughed, playing along as they settled onto a patch of grass near the fountain. Lily carefully arranged imaginary plates and cups on the ground, her little hands working with utmost seriousness.
"Would you like sugar in your tea?" Lily asked, holding out an empty teacup.
"Yes, please," Sofia replied, pretending to sip. "This is delicious! Did you make it yourself?"
"Of course!" Lily said proudly. "I'm the best tea maker in the world."
Sofia smiled warmly, marveling at the child's ability to turn even the simplest moments into magic.
A Day of Discovery
After their "picnic," Lily insisted on showing Sofia her secret treasure box, hidden in the hollow of an old oak tree at the edge of the garden. Inside were a few small trinkets—a shiny pebble, a feather, a tiny glass bead.
"Do you collect all of this yourself?" Sofia asked as Lily carefully displayed each item.
"Yep! Daddy says I'm good at finding treasures," Lily said. Her voice softened, and she looked down at the feather in her hand. "Mommy gave me this one. She said it's from a magical bird that brings good dreams."
Sofia's heart clenched. She placed a gentle hand on Lily's shoulder. "It's beautiful, Lily. Your mom must have been very special."
Lily nodded solemnly, then perked up. "Do you think we'll see a magical bird here someday?"
"Maybe," Sofia said with a smile. "This garden is pretty magical already. Who knows what might show up?"
A Quiet Afternoon
Later, after lunch, Sofia sat on the living room floor with Lily, helping her piece together a colorful puzzle. Lily was deep in concentration, her little tongue poking out as she tried to fit two stubborn pieces together.
"Almost there," Sofia encouraged, pointing to a corner piece.
"Got it!" Lily cheered, snapping the piece into place.
Just as they finished the puzzle, Mrs. Carter appeared in the doorway. "Lily, it's time for your nap, darling."
"Noooo," Lily whined, wrapping her arms around Sofia. "I don't want to nap! I want to play with Miss Paterson!"
"Even the best treasure hunters need rest," Sofia said gently. "How else will you have the energy to find more treasures tomorrow?"
Lily pouted but reluctantly allowed Sofia to carry her upstairs. Once they reached her room, Sofia tucked her into bed, smoothing the blankets over her small frame.
"Will you stay here until I fall asleep?" Lily asked, her voice small.
"Of course," Sofia said, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Lily's eyes grew heavy, and within minutes, she was fast asleep, her hand clutching a stuffed rabbit. Sofia sat quietly for a moment, watching the rise and fall of the little girl's chest. There was a sweetness to these moments that reminded her of the simple joys she'd shared with her own family before everything had changed.
A Glimpse of Routine
The rest of the day passed in much the same way—playtime, stories, and Lily's endless chatter. Ryan Blackwood remained a distant presence, glimpsed only briefly when he passed through the house on his way to or from his study.
During dinner, Lily jabbered on about her latest treasure hunt, oblivious to her father's silence. Sofia noticed Ryan watching Lily with a faint, almost imperceptible smile, though he said little.
"Daddy, did you know Miss Paterson is the best at tea parties?" Lily asked, grinning at Sofia.
Ryan's eyes flickered toward Sofia for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Is that so?" he said simply before returning his attention to his meal.
Sofia felt a strange mixture of relief and tension at his brief acknowledgment. Ryan's world seemed so far removed from hers, and yet, through Lily, their lives were now undeniably connected.
As Sofia helped Lily prepare for bed that night, the little girl leaned close and whispered, "I'm glad you're here, Miss Paterson. I was lonely before you came."
Sofia hugged her tightly, her heart swelling with affection. "I'm glad I'm here too, Lily."
As she closed the door to Lily's room, Sofia couldn't help but feel that, in her own small way, she was beginning to bring light back into this quiet, shadowed house.
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