Red_Roses_and_Black_Dahlias_-_Macy_T

She gave me a dead-pan look and rolled her eyes before going back to her
point. It’s crazy how much she reminded me of Sofia when she did that. It’s
like the more she stayed here with us, the more she blossomed and the more
confident she got.
She spoke her mind, even got angry sometimes, which was something she
never did before. I suspected she had been too shy to do so and repressed
those emotions in fear. Sofia told me Valentina put a lot of pressure on being
the perfect little girl, silent and obedient. She thought if she wasn’t, I would
get fed up with them and leave them.
I’d had to have a conversation with Valentina, where I told her this was
never happening. I wouldn’t leave them and wouldn’t get fed up either. Ever
since, she started opening up a little each day. It felt good to see her blossom
and be comfortable enough in her space to be herself, to act like any nine
year old would.
“—but, I think I don’t mind.” She looked at us and gave us a small smile.
“You can’t tell anyone, baby, okay?” Sofia explained softly, “At least not
yet.”
Valentina nodded solemnly, “You know I’m good at keeping secrets,
Dada.” Her sister offered a small smile and nodded. “Just don’t kiss in front
of me again because that is gross.” She made a face again, but a small smile
played on her lips.
“Gross, huh?” I started tickling her again, and she laughed out loud, trying
to wiggle out of my grip.
“Hear that, Mads, she thinks this is gross.” Sofia mocked her sister before
pecking my lips again and again while Valentina made ‘ew’ sounds, still
giggling. I couldn’t help the smile splitting my face.
“You’re so weird!” She complained while trying to get us to pull away
from each other. The sound of laughter echoed in the kitchen as we chased