As the conversation continued, the girls seemed to genuinely understand the importance of personal boundaries. By the time Anna returned, the atmosphere was noticeably warmer. Sophie and Mia both promised to apologize to Kate and make an effort to include her without overstepping.

Later, when Anna and I were alone, she sighed. “Maybe I was too harsh. I just… I don’t want the girls to feel like they can’t be close.”

“I get that,” I replied, taking her hand. “But closeness comes with understanding and respect. If we can teach them that, they’ll have a better relationship with each other.”