Sophia stood there for a moment, her mind filled with thoughts she couldn’t quite figure. Finally, she sighed and began wiping down the table, her heart feeling both heavy and strangely light at the same time.
***
The next morning, Sophia stirred awake as the first light crept into her room. She blinked, momentarily disoriented, until she remembered what day it was. Today was significant! Her mother was finally getting discharged from the hospital. Relief flooded through her as she stretched, savoring the fleeting tranquility of the early hour. But a glance at the clock reminded her she couldn’t afford to be late.
She hurried through her morning routine, tugging on a comfortable blouse and jeans before heading downstairs. Passing the large bay window, she noticed Alexander’s car was gon
