I looked at Sophie. "This isn't the truth, Sophie, but I will fix it. I have to," I said, feeling my voice stronger than I felt.
She squeezed my hand in return. I nodded at her, trying to give her a small smile, but I could not.
I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself. Step by step, I told myself. One thing at a time. First, survive. Then fight.
I straightened up, holding the phone like it was my weapon. The fight had begun.
***
Hours later, we were no longer in that apartment, between those four walls.
The world outside was slowly lighting up with the first rays of dawn, but the shadows of the past still clung to me.
Emma sat on my lap, playing with her bunny tightly. Her tiny hands gripped the soft toy as if it could protect her from everything she did not understand.
I stroked her hair casually, while my eyes locked on the road. My heart kept whispering quiet reassurances, even though I was not sure what the next step would be.
