Chapter 18 - SISTERS Lily accepted Sophie almost immediately.
Adults took months.
Lily took seconds.
“You're my sister?”
Sophie nodded.
“Okay.”
That was it.
Of course, being sisters wasn't always peaceful.
Lily slammed doors.
Sophie hated doors.
Lily wanted Sophie’s toys.
Sophie hid snacks.
Lily wanted the pink blanket.
Sophie wanted it too.
They argued.
They laughed.
They fought over markers.
Then they apologized.
One night Sophie looked at me.
“Do I have to call you Dad?”
“No.”
“Can I call you Ryan?”
“You can call me anything.”
She tried.
“Ryan.”
Then she giggled.
“Daddy Ryan.”
That became her favorite.
Emily remained Emily.
Until one night Sophie woke from a nightmare.
“Mom?”
Emily froze.
Sophie was still half asleep.
Then she opened her eyes.
She started crying.
Emily held her.
“You can miss Caroline,” she whispered.
“I know.”
“You never have to choose.”
Sophie buried her face against Emily.
And for the first time, she didn't call her Emily.
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She simply stayed.
Sometimes that was more meaningful than a name.
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