“I’M coming, sweetheart,” Jasmine replied, turning off the water and grabbing a towel.
As she wrapped herself in its warmth, her thoughts shifted to her daughter. Karissa was her everything, her anchor through the storms of life. Whatever fleeting emotions Jared had stirred tonight, Jasmine reminded herself of what truly mattered, her daughter and the life she had built for the two of them.
She opened the bathroom door to find Karissa standing there, her hands on her hips, mimicking an adult’s stance.
“You always tell me not to stay too long in the bath,” Karissa said, her voice full of mock seriousness, “but look at you!”
Jasmine laughed, scooping her daughter into her arms.
“Alright, Miss Timekeeper. Mommy needed a little extra time today.”
Karissa giggled, resting her h
