That if someone you loved was unhappy, you should ask for less.
Need less.
Become less.
“Sophie, I helped Daddy because I loved him. Not because I had to earn his love.”
“But you were always tired.”
“I know.”
“And sometimes you cried in the bathroom.”
I froze.
She’d heard me.
All those nights I’d thought I was hiding my exhaustion.
“I should have taken care of myself too,” I whispered.
She leaned against me.
“Would you still love me if I didn’t help?”
Tears filled my eyes.
“Especially then, sweetheart.”
The following Sunday, Mark came to collect some clothes.
Sophie was sitting at the kitchen table with her notebook.
He glanced at it.
“Still carrying that around?”
I stepped forward.
“Mark, we need to talk.”
He sighed.
“Sarah, please.”
