Page 107 of Finders Keepers

“My, my, this bed is so big.” I say with forced cheerfulness. “We’ll sleep like princesses tonight.”

She climbs in but doesn’t lie down. Instead, she sits with her knees pulled to her chest, clutching Mr. Hoppy tight.

“What’s wrong, baby?” I ask, sitting beside her.

Her bottom lip trembles. “I’m scared, Mommy.”

I wrap my arms around her tiny frame. “Oh, sweetie.”

“Is Daddy gonna find us again?” Her voice is so small it breaks my heart.

“No, honey.” I pull her closer. “We’re safe here. Remember the three little pigs? We’re in the brick house now.”

She nods but doesn’t look convinced. I’m about to say more when a blur of golden fur comes bounding through the doorway, leaping onto the bed in one enthusiastic jump.

“Nugget! Down!” Gavin appears in the doorway, looking mortified. “I am so sorry. He slipped past me when I opened my bedroom door.”

But Sophie’s face has transformed. Her eyes widen with delight as Nugget prances around her, tail wagging furiously.

“Nugget!” she wraps her tiny arms around him while he licks her face.

My heart squeezes seeing her smile as Nugget showers her with affection.

“Mommy can Nugget sleep with us?” She looks between me and Gavin

Before I can answer, Gavin chuckles from the doorway. “I don’t see why not. He seems to have already chosen his spot.”

Sure enough, Nugget has circled three times and flopped down at the foot of the bed, his tail still thumping against the comforter.

I meet Gavin at the door frame, lowering my voice. “Thank you. For everything. We should try to get some sleep.”

“Of course.” His eyes are warm with understanding. “I’m right down the hall if you need anything. Anything at all.”

I nod, not trusting my voice. The kindness in his expression makes my throat tight.

Once he’s gone, I turn back to Sophie. “Alright, little miss. Let’s try to get some sleep.”

She lowers herself further beneath the blankets, Mr. Hoppy clutched in one arm while her other hand reaches for me. I slide in beside her, pulling her close against my chest. Her small body feels so fragile, so precious. Nugget shifts at our feet, letting out a contented sigh.

I stroke her hair and softly hum. Her breathing evens out quickly, her exhaustion finally winning over her anxiety. But sleep eludes me.

My mind spins like a carnival ride I can’t stop.

I continue stroking Sophie’s hair, so fine and soft between my fingers. My mind drifts to when I met Matt and believed his promises of forever. I watched love turn to control, then control to violence.

The memory of that first hit burns fresh in my mind. The shock of it. The way he apologized after, crying, swearing it would never happen again. I was so naive then, believing him. Believing it was just stress, just a bad day, just too much to drink.

But the mistakes kept coming and the drinking got worse. Until the night Sophie witnessed him hit me.

My arms tighten around her sleeping form.

I must have drifted off at some point because I jolt awake, my heart hammering against my ribs. The room is dark except for the gentle dance of stars across the ceiling from the nightlight. Sophie’s warm body is curled against mine, her steady breathing a comfort in the unfamiliar space.

Nugget’s head pops up from the foot of the bed, his eyes reflecting the starlight. He gives a soft whine.

“It’s okay,” I whisper, though my mouth feels like sandpaper. “Just need some water.”

I ease away from Sophie, holding my breath when she stirs. She settles back into sleep, clutching Mr. Hoppy closer. My bare feet touch the cool hardwood, and I pause, letting my eyes adjust to the darkness.

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