Lauren sat on the couch with Sophie, both of them sharing a blanket between them while they watched some random movie.
Sophie had her feet tucked under Lauren’s side, her hands clutching her bear like it was a lifeline.
Lauren’s phone buzzed, breaking the atmosphere.
“Hey, Mom,” Lauren greeted, her voice steady even as her chest felt tight.
“Hi, sweetheart,” her mom’s warm voice came through, though there was an edge of urgency. “How’s everything going over there? How’s Sophie?”
Lauren glanced over at Sophie, who was sitting on the living room floor with her crayons spread out like a rainbow explosion. She was humming quietly to herself, the picture she was coloring half-finished.
“She’s good,” Lauren replied. “Keeping herself busy. You know how she is.”
Sophie turned her head tow
