JASMINE stood frozen, her heart heavy, as Karissa's words replayed in her mind. *A daddy for Christmas.*
It was a simple request from a child, but it hit Jasmine like a storm. She hadn’t expected that. She thought she had been enough for Karissa, that her love and care would fill the void. But the ache in her daughter’s eyes made it clear, Karissa wanted something more. Something Jasmine couldn’t give.
Karissa, unaware of the emotional turmoil she had just caused, simply turned and climbed into her bed, pulling the covers up and curling into a small ball. Jasmine, still standing in the doorway, watched as her daughter drifted off to sleep, her tiny form peaceful in contrast to the storm inside her mother’s heart.
Jasmine remained still for a few moments, trying to collect her thoughts,
