Chapter 11 - THE GIRL WHO WALKED TOWARD HER FATHER
The day Sofia took her first assisted steps was not dramatic.
There were no cameras.
No reporters.
No fifty guests.
Just a rehabilitation room.
A therapist.
Her father.
And me.
Sofia stood between the parallel bars.
Her therapist supported her as needed.
“Ready?” the therapist asked.
Sofia nodded.
She shifted her weight.
Moved one foot.
Then the other.
A small step.
Then another.
Luca covered his mouth.
Sofia looked up.
“Daddy?”
His eyes filled.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Did you see?”
He nodded.
“I saw.”
She smiled.
The therapist guided her to sit.
Sofia was exhausted.
But happy.
Luca knelt beside her.
He took her hands.
“I'm proud of you.”
She smiled.
Then she asked:
“Would you still be proud if I couldn't do it?”
Luca's expression softened.
He pulled her into his arms.
“Always.”
I turned away.
Tears filled my eyes.
Later, Sofia looked at me.
“Emily?”
“Yes?”
“Can I tell you something?”
I smiled.
“Of course.”
She whispered:
“I think Daddy loves you.”
My heart stopped.
I laughed nervously.
“What makes you think that?”
Sofia grinned.
“Because he smiles when you walk into the room.”
I looked toward the hallway.
Luca stood there.
He had heard every word.
May you like
He smiled.
And for the first time, I didn't look away.
