Chapter 39 A Heart Between Worlds

• Maria followed Sophie into the room, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. As soon as they stepped inside, Sophie turned to her mother, her eyes glistening. “Mom, I’m so sorry. Please.” Her voice cracked with desperation, pleading not just with her words but with her entire being.
• Maria reached out instinctively, her fingers gently brushing Sophie’s face, searching for any lingering pain from the slap. “It’s okay, Sophie. Are you alright?” Her voice was soft, but concern weighed heavily in her tone.
• Sophie blinked, disbelief flickering across her face. “Mom, you just lost your job, and you’re still worried about me?” She couldn’t understand how her mother could remain so composed, so focused on her, after everything that had happened.