Chapter 5 - THE BABY WHO DIDN'T KNOW HIS NAME
Three days later, Adrian attended his first supervised visit with Sofia.
Elena had agreed after speaking with her attorney.
The visit took place in a family services office.
Adrian arrived early.
He wore a charcoal suit.
Then realized how ridiculous he looked.
He removed the jacket.
Rolled up his sleeves.
And sat nervously in a chair.
When Elena entered carrying Sofia, he stood immediately.
Sofia wore a pink sweater.
Her dark curls were tied into two tiny puffs.
She looked at Adrian.
Then hid her face against Elena's shoulder.
Adrian's chest tightened.
Elena sat across from him.
“She doesn't know you.”
He swallowed.
“I know.”
The supervised visitation specialist explained that Sofia needed time to become comfortable.
Adrian nodded.
He didn't try to take her immediately.
Instead, he sat on the floor.
Placed a soft toy between them.
And waited.
Sofia watched him.
Then reached for the toy.
Adrian smiled.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
She blinked.
He swallowed.
“I'm your daddy.”
Sofia looked at him.
Then turned toward Elena.
“Mama.”
Adrian closed his eyes.
He had imagined that becoming a father would feel powerful.
Instead, it felt like standing outside a locked door, knowing he'd been the one who threw away the key.
After the visit, Elena approached him.
“She did well.”
He nodded.
“She's beautiful.”
Elena's expression softened.
“Yes.”
He hesitated.
“Does she sleep through the night?”
Elena almost laughed.
“Sometimes.”
He smiled sadly.
“What does she like?”
“Music. Bananas. Her stuffed rabbit.”
Adrian nodded.
“And what scares her?”
“Loud voices.”
The words hit him.
He looked at Elena.
She held his gaze.
“She's a baby, Adrian. She needs calm.”
He swallowed.
“I understand.”
May you like
Elena studied him.
“Then show her.”
