Chapter 20 - SOPHIA HEARS THE ARGUMENT
Sophia knew her mother was involved in another court case.
She did not know the details.
One evening, she overheard Natalia and Valerie talking.
“They want the foundation,” Natalia said.
Sophia stopped outside the office.
Valerie noticed her.
“Sophia?”
The little girl slowly walked inside.
“Who wants the foundation?”
Valerie knelt.
“Some people believe they have a legal right to the money.”
“Are they going to take our park?”
Valerie hesitated.
“I don't know.”
Sophia looked toward the window.
“But you built it.”
“Not alone.”
“Will we lose it?”
Valerie pulled her daughter into her arms.
“I won't lie to you.”
Sophia looked up.
“Then tell me.”
“We may have to fight to keep it.”
Sophia thought for several seconds.
Then she whispered:
“Do we have to be scared?”
Valerie kissed her forehead.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because being scared and being helpless are different things.”
Sophia nodded.
Then she said something that made Valerie's heart ache.
“When you found me in the coffin, were you scared?”
Valerie froze.
She had avoided discussing that night in detail.
“Yes.”
“Very scared?”
“The most scared I've ever been.”
Sophia hugged her.
“But you still came for me.”
Valerie closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
Sophia smiled.
“Then you'll come for the park too.”
Valerie couldn't answer.
May you like
She simply held her daughter tighter.
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