Sofia walked back to her room, her heart still heavy with the weight of Ryan's words. She felt small, insignificant, like she didn't really belong in his world. His anger had stung deep, and no matter how hard she tried, it was hard to shake it off. She wasn't just a nanny, she was a temporary part of his life, and he made that very clear. Still, she had to focus on the one thing that mattered now—Lily.
Ryan had left for a business trip, so Sofia was in charge of his daughter. Lily could sense that something was wrong, and she clung to Sofia's side, her tiny hand holding onto her like she was afraid Sofia might disappear too.
"What's wrong, Sofia?" Lily asked in her soft, baby voice, her wide eyes full of worry. "You sad?"
Sofia smiled weakly, trying not to let the sadness show. "I'm just a little tired, Lily," she said gently, bending down to look into the child's eyes. "But I'm okay now. Want to play outside in the garden?"
Lily's face lit up, and her tiny hands clapped together in excitement. She loved the garden, with its flowers and little paths where they could play pretend. Sofia's heart warmed at the sight of the little girl's smile.
As they walked outside, Sofia tried her best to push the dark thoughts away. She focused on Lily's happy laughter, on the feel of the warm sun on her skin, and on the colorful flowers around them. But Lily wasn't fooled. She seemed to sense that something was still bothering Sofia, and she tugged at her hand to get her attention.
"I know what make you feel better," Lily said, her face serious as she looked up at Sofia. "I tell you stories 'bout Mommy."
Sofia's heart ached at the mention of Amelia. She had heard bits and pieces of Lily's mother but never the whole story. She didn't want to push the little girl, but she wanted to understand her better.
Lily smiled brightly and began her story, her words coming out like a soft stream of sunshine. "Mommy had pretty hair," she said, "Shiny, shiny like the sun! She always smelled like flowers, like the ones in the garden! And Mommy used to sing me songs... happy songs, like 'You are my sunshine!' I like it when she sing, 'cause it made me feel good inside."
Sofia listened quietly, her heart swelling with emotion. She could tell how much Lily loved her mother. The child's voice, full of love and memory, was so pure and innocent.
"When I was scared," Lily continued, her voice soft but strong, "Mommy hold me tight and say, 'Don't worry, sweetie, everything gonna be okay.' She always made me feel safe."
Sofia wiped a tear away, not wanting Lily to see. She was amazed by how Lily could talk about her mother with so much love, even though she was gone.
Lily paused for a moment, looking up at the sky. "Mommy's up there," she said, pointing toward the clouds. "She watch me from the sky. I see the clouds, and I know she's there, like a angel."
Sofia swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check. "She's up there, watching over you," Sofia said softly, her voice full of warmth.
Lily nodded seriously, her little face full of determination. "Mommy's always with me. In my heart and in the clouds. She loves me."
Sofia bent down and wrapped her arms around Lily, holding her tight. She could feel the little girl's heart beating against hers, full of love and strength. "You're so strong, Lily. Your mommy would be so proud of you."
Lily smiled brightly, her eyes full of wonder. "I know! I remember Mommy every day. She's always with me, even if I can't see her."
Sofia smiled back, feeling a quiet peace settle in her heart. Lily's strength, her love for her mother, and her ability to find comfort in the memories of Amelia—it was all so beautiful. In the middle of the pain, there was still love, still light, and Sofia realized that even though Ryan's pain was so big, Lily's love was even bigger.
"Let's keep playing, okay?" Sofia said, wiping away the last of her tears and standing up. "Let's make today happy, just like Mommy would want."
Lily nodded eagerly, her little face lighting up again. "Yes, let's play pretend!"
They continued walking hand-in-hand through the garden, and for the first time in a long while, Sofia felt a sense of peace. She couldn't fix Ryan's pain, but she could help Lily remember her mother's love, and that was enough.