ain my composure. Despite the flood of emotions rushing throu

rever he goes. His deeply tanned skin speaks of days spent under the sun. He has an air o

mini table is. It was meant for Aoife playtime during the afternoon. Ther

ce stirred up memories I had tried to bury deep within me. As much as I wanted

g to talk about

he continued, his voice fil

u talking about? You

trying to block out the emoti

ng time ago," I replied,

use. I reached out instinctively, trying to stop him, but he brushe

or trespassing." His shoulders

h the doorway. My heart ached at the desperation in his voice, but I stood

e was stronger than me and shook me off, continuing his search with a frantic determination that sent chills down my s

emotion. I prayed that my daughter was safe and hidden fr

er; you are the best

behavior. As he frantically searched, I whispered to Aoife to sta

with him to leave and assured him that

hild, Molli

ot of money right now; I'm not the guy

calm for Aoife's sake. "Please, just go," I begged, hoping he would

causing my daughter

e doing. You are traumatizing my child." My voice quivered as I tried to

oment. "I'm sorry,

expression softening as he hands me a small box with a card on top. "I just wanted to

s a business card from Sean P

any that had recently acquired the firm where I worked. I worked as a customer service

a delicate heart necklace with a ke

looked down and saw Aoife crying on my tummy. I quic

tear-filled eyes and whis

reassured her, pulling her

e to pro

ife's voice trembled as she asked the ques

e. "No, Aoife, it's not your fault. Everything will

safe now," I added, ho

relaxing slightly as she processed my

my father?" she whispered