Red_Roses_and_Black_Dahlias_-_Macy_T

Eventually, Drea cleared her throat, “I’ll leave you to it. There’s
everything you might need in the bag on the dresser. Heating pad, Tylenol,
more diapers, everything. I—uh, I’ll see myself out. Call me if you need
anything.”
She looked like she wanted to say something else but then decided against
it and fled the room before me or Sofia even had time to thank her.
We heard the front door close and lock and Sofia then crawled next to me,
sitting down and resting her head on my shoulders. Her close proximity
somehow recharged me, gave me strength and hope about the future. Sofia’s
hand gripped mine as she laced our fingers together, needing the closeness as
much as I did.
We stayed that way for a while, not talking, just reveling in each other’s
presence. Valentina was still fast asleep on my lap, and I had a feeling Sofia
would join her soon. Today was so intense, I knew they both needed sleep,
even though it was only a little after four in the afternoon.
“Sofia?”
“Hmm?” She sounded drowsy.
“Come on, baby, get up. Get on the bed, okay?” Sofia nodded sleepily as I
got on my feet, holding tight onto the little girl in my arms, and helped her get
up too.
Valentina stirred in my hold but eventually just wrapped her arms around
my neck, half asleep, as I held her with one arm and gripped Sofia’s hand
with the other.
I guided them to my room and pulled the duvet off before slowly
depositing Valentina in the middle of the bed. Once she seemed comfortable I
pulled Sofia to me and kissed her forehead before pushing her down on the
bed so she could lay with her sister.