The scent of warm cookies lingered in the air, mingling with Ethan's laughter as he danced around the kitchen, a wooden spoon in one hand and chocolate on his cheek.
"You used to love this!" he beamed at Sophia. "Remember, Mom? The cookie victory dance!"
Sophia smiled faintly, her eyes following his movements, but something inside her felt wrong. Familiarity tugged at her—his smile, the kitchen, even the silly dance—but it all felt like pieces of a puzzle that didn't quite fit.
She tried. She really did. Laughing with him. Stirring the dough. Letting Adrian help her place the cookies in the oven. The moment felt right… but also foreign.
Then, suddenly, it hit her—the overwhelming pressure.
Who was she?
Why did they all look at her like she belonged here?
She looked at Ethan—this sweet little boy calling her "Mom." She looked at Adrian, his warm eyes full of silent hope.
Too much.
Too fast.
Too confusing.
She felt her chest tighten.
"I… I need some air," she whispered, stepping back.
"Sophia?" Adrian asked gently, stepping forward.
But she didn't respond. Her eyes darted to the door like a trapped bird. And before he could stop her, she rushed out, barefoot, heart pounding.
---
Outside…
Rain poured from the heavens, soaking her instantly. But Sophia didn't stop.
She didn't know where she was going—she just knew she had to go.
The streets blurred around her, headlights flashed past, and thunder echoed above. People stared. A few called after her. But she kept walking.
"I don't know who I am…" she whispered to herself, hugging her arms tightly.
The faces.
The memories.
The little boy calling her "Mom."
Adrian's touch.
Her head ached.
She stopped under a flickering streetlamp, rain trailing down her face like tears. She stared at her reflection in a shop window.
"Who are you?" she whispered to the glass.
---
Meanwhile…
Adrian grabbed his coat. "She's gone."
Ethan looked up, his eyes wide with fear. "Will she come back?"
Adrian clenched his jaw, trying to remain calm. "She's scared, buddy. But I'll bring her home."
He rushed out into the storm, not knowing where she'd gone—but knowing he had to find her.
No matter what.