She was never his to own
The whole world narrowed to this room, this bed, this small person who held Elena's whole heart.
Tonight, they were reading the bunny book. The one about the bunny who got lost and found his way home. Sofia knew it by heart but demanded it every night anyway.
"The bunny was very scared," Elena read. "He didn't know how to find his way back."
Sofia snuggled closer. "But his mama found him."
"His mama always finds him."
"Like you find me."
Elena kissed her curls. "Always, baby. Always."
---
They finished the book. Elena set it on the nightstand, turned off the big light, clicked on the small lamp that cast a warm glow across the room.