Heart of Steel: A Detroit Become Human Fanfiction

The Ghosts of Childhood

The birds are chirping cheerfully outside the window, which is hot to the touch due to the bright sun on that lovely day. You turn to face the wall in your pink bed covered in flowers to avoid the sun shining in your eyes, allowing you to continue watching your sweet dreams. You had to fall back asleep; your parents haven't come up to your room with a cake and balloons yet! Today is your special day, the day where everything is supposed to be your way.

You giggle quietly in your bed as you hear footsteps coming towards your door and finally it opens quietly.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Sophie, happy birthday to you!" You head your mother's sweet voice sing. You turn around and see her with a small cake and a few flowers from the park. It isn't much, but it is enough for you. You smile brightly and sit up in your bed when your mom sits on the edge of your bed, moving the cake in front of your face to blow out the candles.

"Wish for something, honey." She whispers. You close your eyes and wish for all the things you can before blowing out the five candles lit on the cake. In excitement, you wrap your arms around your mother's shoulders and squeeze her tightly.

"I love you, mommy!" You squeal happily, your eyes shut, and in that exact moment, there were no worries left in the world, everything was perfect.

"Where's daddy?" You ask as you hop out of bed.
"Daddy's downstairs." Your mother responds with an apologetic smile. She sets the cake down and helps you get dressed into the beautiful bright pink dress that you were waiting for so long to wear.

After eating the cake your mom brought, both of you headed downstairs to begin your amazing day.

"Daddy, daddy!" You giggle cheerfully as you run over to see what he's doing. He's working, that's no surprise, he always does that, no matter what.
"Not now, Sophie." He says as he waves you away. You sigh and go back to your mother who's ready to take you to the park with your grandma and sister. You slip on your princess shoes and run outside.

"Honey, don't forget sunscreen!" Your mom's voice calls. She squeezes some on her hand and covers you with it from head to toe. Even if it wasn't summer, the sun was still so so bright.

In the park you met your sister and grandma. Your sister has been spending the last few nights at your grandma's since her room is being renovated, but it hasn't bothered you. Grandma proceeds to give you dozens of kisses all over your face, making you look like you have a sunburn with all the red lipstick across your cheeks and forehead. You laugh and drag your sister to play with you.

The hour you spent at the park was filled with laughter and goofing around. Unfortunately you hurt your knee, but being the big girl you now are, you didn't even cry. After that you all went to get some ice cream, grandma's treat. The streets of California were always busy, but somehow busier today, but it didn't bother you.

Walking on the beach you saw some of your friends from kindergarten. They all gave you big hugs and birthday wishes, so sweet! Sadly the water wasn't the best temperature, so swimming in it would be cold, but you could touch it with your feet and play. Your sister was your best friend. You were there for her, she was there for you, even after the darkest nights.

Finally, after the long day, you were exhausted. You had so much fun, and you couldn't wait for next year. You open the door to your house and try to ignore your dad who was on the couch, watching the game. You keep the same, tired smile on your face.

"Sophie?" You hear your dad's angry, raspy voice from the couch. Taking a deep breath you go over to your dad and nod.
"Yes?"
"Why do you look so stupid!" He laughs as he looks over your outfit. As always, your mother was scared to intervene.
"Bring me a beer."
"Yes."

You sigh and head to the kitchen. You reach to the counter and grab a beer bottle out of the stack. Your tiny feet can't hold you balanced for long, and you fell, glass shattered everywhere.

"Goddammit, Sophie!" Your dad yells as he gets up from the couch and storms to the kitchen.
"Can't you do one thing right?"
Tears start to swell in your eyes as your hands shake. Your dad shoves you down on the floor, causing you to bruise your arms by the glass pieces.

All the noise has woken up the dog who is now barking in panic.
"Please stop, it's her birthday!" Your mom begs, but it's useless, goodbye mom.

"Mommy!"

The door bell rings. You open your eyes, breathing heavily and hearing your dog bark. You rub your eyes and stand up.

"Calm down, Sadie." You mumble, extremely tired and the nightmare still playing in your eyes as you open the door.
"Connor?"