A Hand To Hold | Cglre |

Chapter 11: Unexpected Triggers

Sophie's POV

It's been almost a week, yet I still can't believe this is real—it all feels like a fairy tale. Life has never been this wonderful, this safe. I didn't know it was possible to feel so cherished, so protected. In such a short time, they've become my sanctuary. Every day is filled with new adventures. I've played outside, discovered that Rapunzel is my favorite princess, and told Evelyn I want hair just like hers. They've been teaching me new words, and though sometimes I still prefer silence, I'm learning to speak in ways I never could before.

My days are so full now. I want to do even more, but my body isn't used to such excitement. Before, my days were spent staring out the window, singing quietly to myself. Now, my world is alive with possibilities.

Today, I woke up from my morning nap on the couch—I'd refused to stay in the crib; it still feels like a cage—and heard Evelyn and Ian whispering. Their worried tones filled me with unease. They stopped talking as soon as they noticed I was awake, their faces masks of concern.

"Hey, my lovely girl, how was your nap?" Evelyn asked, picking me up and kissing my forehead. I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the sleep, and rested my head on her shoulder, seeking comfort in her embrace.

"How about we get some yummy yogurt in that belly of yours?" Evelyn suggested, heading to the kitchen. I saw Ian and reached out to him, feeling an overwhelming need for his reassurance.

"Come here, baby," Ian said with a warm smile, taking me from Evelyn. He started tickling me, and I couldn't help but laugh, the sound echoing through the room like a melody of happiness.

"Not jealous at all," Evelyn said with a playful pout.

"She's becoming a daddy's girl, and I'm all here for it," Ian replied, his smile bright and proud. I've heard them call Ian "daddy" before, but I didn't really understand what it meant. There are still so many words I don't know, and I'm afraid to ask. They've told me it's okay to be myself, but I don't want to push too far. I don't want to go back to my father.

Evelyn seemed to notice my confusion because she asked, "What happened, Sophie? You look a little confused."

"What is a daddy?" I asked, tilting my head like I've seen people do in movies when they're puzzled.

Ian and Evelyn exchanged glances before Ian looked back at me. He sat me on the kitchen table in front of him while Evelyn sat in the chair beside him. Their serious expressions made my heart race with anxiety, afraid I'd done something wrong.

"Don't be scared, it's nothing big. We just want to explain things to you. We don't want you to make decisions without understanding them, and we'd feel awful if we influenced you in any manipulative way," Evelyn said, holding my hand gently.

"We've used that word before and assumed you knew what it meant since you didn't ask. But we want you to know that if you don't understand anything, no matter how small it seems, you can always ask us. Okay?" Evelyn continued, her eyes filled with kindness. I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease.