I remarried two years after my wife’s death in an attempt to start a new family. However, I was taken aback when my 5-year-old daughter muttered, “Daddy, new mom is different when you’re gone,” Strict regulations, Sophie’s dread, and strange noises coming from a sealed attic all combine to create a terrifying mystery that I can’t ignore.
After losing Sarah, I never imagined that I would find love again. For months, the way grief emptied my chest made breathing seem like a choice.
However, Amelia’s kind patience and bright smiles made the world seem lighter when she entered my life.
Not only for me, but also for Sophie. Given how difficult the previous two years had been, it felt miraculous that my five-year-old daughter took to her right away.
My daughter had been reluctant to leave the swing set when Sophie first saw Amelia at the park.
She had begged, “Just five more minutes, Daddy,” while her tiny legs continued to pump.
Then, with her sundress shining in the late afternoon sunshine, Amelia approached and remarked, “You know, I bet you could touch the clouds if you went just a little bit higher.” That was the moment that everything changed.
Sophie’s eyes had glowed brightly. “Really?”
Amelia had winked in response. “Well, that’s what I always believed when I was your age,” she said. “Would you like me to push you?”
It sounded ideal when Amelia proposed that after we were married, we move into the house she inherited. With its towering ceilings and intricate woodwork that exuded a sense of subdued grandeur, the mansion was stunning.
When Sophie first saw her new bedroom, her eyes widened, and I couldn’t help but smile at her joy.
“It’s like a princess room, Daddy!” She had shrieked while spinning in circles. “Can I paint the walls purple?”
“My dear, we’ll have to ask Amelia. It’s her home.”
Amelia had gently corrected, “Our house now,” while holding my hand. “And, Sophie, purple sounds amazing. Together, we can choose the shade.”
Then, for the first time since the wedding, I had to travel for a week on work. Since everything was still so new to me, I was anxious about leaving my small family.
As I made my way to the airport, Amelia had reassured me, “You’ll be fine,” while holding a travel mug of coffee. “We’ll do the same. Sophie and I are going to spend some quality time together as girlfriends.”
“We’re going to paint my nails, Daddy!” I knelt to kiss Sophie’s forehead and she added something.
Everything appeared to be in control. However, Sophie clung to me like she used to immediately after Sarah’s death, almost toppling me with her embrace when I got back.
As her tiny body shook against mine, she muttered, “Daddy, new mom is different when you’re gone.”
In my chest, my heart stumbled. “What do you mean, sweetheart?”
“Sophie’s bottom lip trembled as she withdrew. She shuts herself in the chamber in the attic. And while she’s in there, I hear strange sounds. Daddy, it’s frightening! She’s harsh, and she says I can’t go in that room.”
I made an effort to speak steadily. “Mean how, Sophie?”
“She makes me clean my whole room all by myself, and she won’t let me have ice cream even when I’m good.” Sophie sniffed and hung her head. “I thought new mommy liked me, but… but…”
As Sophie began to cry, I gave her a tight hug while my thoughts were racing.
Even before I left on my trip, Amelia had been spending a lot of time in the attic. Hours would pass while she was up there, and when I asked why, she would simply grin and claim that she was “organizing things.”
At first, I didn’t give it much thought. Isn’t everyone entitled to space? Now, though, I was concerned.
Sophie’s description of Amelia’s unpleasant conduct to her was a little harsh, even though it wasn’t the worst-case scenario I had prepared myself for.
I couldn’t help but think if it had been a great mistake to bring Amelia into our lives as Sophie sobbed into my breast. Had I overlooked something crucial because I was so anxious to think that we would have a happy ending?
But when Amelia walked downstairs, I remained silent. As I took my daughter and carried her to her bedroom, I smiled at her and said something about Sophie missing me. We hosted a tea party with her favorite toys when she calmed down.
That night, I discovered Sophie standing at the attic door, even though I assumed the moment had passed and everything could return to normal.
“What’s in there, Daddy?” She touched the door with her hand.
I hoped I had the solution. “It’s probably just old stuff, my dear. It’s almost time for bed, so hurry up.”
But that night, sleep would not come. As I laid in bed next to Amelia, I watched the shadows move across the ceiling while my mind was racing with questions.
Had I done something terribly wrong? Had I allowed someone who would harm my little baby into our lives? I reflected on the vows I had given Sarah in those last few days. to protect Sophie. to ensure she learned about love as a child.
I waited a few minutes before following Amelia when she sneaked out of bed at midnight.
She unlocked the attic door and crept inside, and I watched from the bottom of the steps. She locked the door behind her, but I didn’t hear it as I waited.
I rushed as quietly as I could up the stairs. Impulsively, I opened the door and rushed into the room.
When I saw what was inside, my mouth fell open.
Something wonderful had been created in the attic. A comfortable window seat surrounded by pillows, floating shelves stocked with Sophie’s favorite books, and soft pastel walls.
There were art supplies on an easel in one corner, and the ceiling was covered with sparkling fairy lights. In another corner was a kid-sized tea table, with a plush bear in a bow tie and dainty porcelain cups.
When I walked in, Amelia, who had been rearranging a teapot on the table, whirled around.
“I… I wanted to be done before showing you.” Amelia stumbled, “I wanted it to be a surprise.” “For Sophie.”
Despite the room’s beauty, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. “Amelia, it’s lovely, but According to Sophie, you’ve been quite severe with her. She had to clean by herself without ice cream.” “Why?”
“Very strict?” Amelia drooped her shoulders. However, I believed I was fostering her independence. I just wanted to do everything correctly, even though I know I’ll never be able to replace Sarah and I’m not trying. to be an excellent mommy. Her voice broke. “But I’ve been doing everything wrong, haven’t I?”
I whispered, “You don’t have to be perfect,” to her. “You just have to be there.”
Amelia sank into the window seat and admitted, “I keep thinking about my mother.” “It has to be exactly so. I didn’t even realize I was channeling her when I started working on this area. enforcing rules and keeping the peace.”
She pointed to the well-organized art supplies and the immaculate book rows. “I’ve been so focused on creating this perfect space that I forgot children need mess and ice cream and silly stories.”
Amelia’s cheeks began to well up with tears. “I forgot that all she really needs is love.” “Easy, everyday love.”
We took Sophie up to the attic the following evening. Before Amelia knelt next to her, she hung back and somewhat concealed herself between my legs.
Amelia said, “I’m so sorry I’ve been strict lately, Sophie.” “I lost the ability to simply be present for you because I was working so hard to be a good mother. Would you allow me to show you something unique?”
Curiosity overcame caution as Sophie peered around me.
The sight of the room caused Sophie’s mouth to open in a flawless “O.”
She said, “Is this… is this for me?”
Amelia’s eyes gleamed as she nodded. “Everything. And I swear that going forward, we’ll tidy your room together. Perhaps we could even have some ice cream while reading together.”
After giving her a long look, Sophie threw herself into Amelia’s arms. “I appreciate it, new mother. I adore it.“
“Can we have tea parties up here?” Sophie walked over to the small table and inquired. “With real tea?”
“Hot chocolate,” added Amelia, laughing. “And cookies. An abundance of cookies.”
“New mom’s not scary,” Sophie whispered to me as I put her into bed later that night. She’s pleasant.
As I kissed her forehead, I felt my last doubts go away.
We didn’t have a straight or easy road to family, but perhaps that’s what made it genuine. Together, we were learning, occasionally faltering but always making progress.
I knew we would be alright when I saw my wife and kid cuddling up in the attic room the following day, enjoying stories and ice cream.
