“She told me I’m not a part of this family anymore.”
My heart sank. I felt a wave of confusion and anger. How could Claire say something so cruel to Lily? My mind raced, trying to comprehend what I had just heard. I knew Lily was still struggling with the loss of her mother, and the last thing she needed was to feel even more isolated.
I held Lily close, feeling her small frame shake with quiet sobs. “Sweetheart,” I said softly, “no one can ever take your place in this family. You are my daughter, and I love you more than anything in this world.
