POV: OmaI was in the nursery, the afternoon sun slanting through the blinds in dusty golden bars. I was folding Maya’s clothes, tiny, soft cotton onesies and socks no bigger than my thumb, and placing them into neat piles.Then, my phone began to vibrate on the nightstand.I stopped mid-fold, a pink striped sleeve gripped in my hand. I stared at the screen. The name flashing there felt like a ghost appearing in broad daylight. Dad.I didn’t pick up immediately. I sat on the edge of the bed, watching the phone dance against the wood. My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs. In my world, a call from my father was never just a call. It was a summons, a critique, or a storm warning. I let it ring twice, the tension in my neck tightening until it was a dull ache. Finally, on the third ring, I picked it up."Yes, Dad. Good afternoon," I said, my voice sounding thinner than I intended."Oma?" he said, and despite everything, a primal part of me recoiled and reached out simultaneo
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