I never expected to find love again after losing Sarah. For months, the way grief hollowed down my chest made breathing seem like an option.

But then Amelia came into my life, all bright smiles and gentle patience, and she somehow made everything feel lighter.
Not just for me, but also for Sophie. My five-year-old daughter immediately took to her.

When Amelia offered that we move into her inherited home after we married, it looked ideal.

Sophie’s eyes widened when she first saw her new bedroom, and I couldn’t help but smile at her joy.

Then I had to go away on work for a week, my first extended travel since the wedding. I was anxious about leaving my small family because everything was still so new.

It appeared that everything was under control. But when I returned, Sophie practically knocked me over with her hug, clinging to me as she had done after Sarah d.i.e.d.

Her small body shivered against mine as she whimpered, “Daddy, new mom is different when you’re gone.”

Sophie drew back, her lower lip twitching. “She locks herself in the attic room. And I hear weird noises when she’s in there. It’s scary, Daddy! And she says I can’t go in that room, and… and she’s mean.”

“She makes me clean my whole room all by myself, and she won’t let me have ice cream even when I’m good.” Sophie hung her head and sniffed. “I thought new mommy liked me, but… but…”

Amelia had been spending a lot of time in the attic even before I went on my trip.
She’d disappear up there for hours, and when I asked why, she’d simply grin and claim she was “organizing things.”

I didn’t think much about it at first. Everyone wants their area, right? But now I am worried.

But I didn’t say anything when Amelia walked downstairs. I welcomed her with a grin and mentioned Sophie missing me as I picked up my baby and carried her to her room. After she calmed down, we held a tea party with her favorite toys.

But sleep didn’t come that night.

When Amelia slipped out of bed after midnight, I waited a few minutes to follow her.

I watched from the bottom of the stairs as she opened the attic door and crept in. I waited but couldn’t hear her shut the door behind her.

I hurried up the steps, as quietly as possible. I opened the door and rushed into the room, acting on impulse.

My jaw dropped when I discovered what was inside.

Soft pastel walls, floating shelves stocked with Sophie’s favorite books, and a comfy window seat stuffed with pillows.

An easel with art tools stood in one corner, while fairy lights twinkled from the ceiling. A child-sized tea table sat in another corner, replete with exquisite porcelain cups and a plush bear wearing a bow tie.

“I… I was hoping to finish before I showed you. I wanted it to be a surprise,” Amelia stammered. “For Sophie.”

“It’s beautiful, Amelia, but… Sophie says you’ve been very strict with her. No ice cream, making her clean alone. Why?”

“But I thought I was helping her become more independent. I know I’ll never replace Sarah, and I’m not trying to, I just… I wanted to do everything right. To be a good mother.”

Amelia let out tears. “I forgot what she needs most is just… love. Simple, everyday love.”

The following evening, we took Sophie up to the attic. Sophie’s mouth dropped wide in a perfect “O” as she entered the room.

Sophie stared at her for a long time before jumping into Amelia’s arms. “Thank you, new mommy. I love it.”

Later that night, when I snuggled Sophie into bed, she drew me close and said, “New mom’s not scary. She’s nice.”