7

My mind was filled with worry and confusion as I paced back and forth in our small apartment. The stranger's promise to Sofia had caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. How could he make such a promise when he knew nothing about us? What if he never showed up again? Sofia's hopes would be shattered, and my heart would break along with hers.

I couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in my gut that something wasn't right. How could Sofia be so sure that he was her father? I had always told her that her father was on a business trip, but now doubts began to creep into my mind. What if I had been lied to all these years? What if Sofia's real father was out there somewhere?

As I continued to worry, Sofia came running into the room, a big smile on her face. She had a way of bringing light into even the darkest moments.

"Mama, did you see how much daddy loves me?" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "He promised to see me again!"

I forced a smile, not w