Sophie’s father, Mark Miller, had been working overseas for the past six months, trying to secure a better future for his daughter. Unbeknownst to Janet, Mark was scheduled to return that very evening. He had kept his return a surprise, wanting to brighten Sophie’s world with his presence and gifts from afar. Throughout his time away, he had stayed in touch through video calls, but the screen could never reveal the truth of Sophie’s suffering. Janet always ensured the house looked perfect and Sophie appeared happy whenever Mark called.
As the afternoon sun dipped behind the clouds, Sophie continued her chores, her small frame moving mechanically. Her mind drifted to happier memories—baking cookies with her mother, playing in the garden, and the warm hugs from her father. Back then, laughter filled the rooms. How she yearned for those days.
