She was never his to own
existed in the same space.
He told me about treatment. About the work. About learning to choose differently. I told him about Sofia's first steps, first words, first tantrums.
"I'm sorry I missed it," he said softly.
"You're here now."
"I'm here now."
In the morning, Sofia woke up. She looked at Alexander with sleepy eyes, then at me, then back at him.
"Mama," she said. "Who's that?"
I took a breath. Let it out.
"Baby, that's your daddy."