Chapter 1 — Just Me and Mom

People say peace is enough. But peace feels empty when silence becomes too long.
For Sofia Miller, 27 years old, life was quiet, maybe too quiet. She lived with her mother Linda Miller, who was 48. They loved each other deeply. They were all they had.

Linda had gone through a hard divorce many years ago. Her husband left her and never came back. She raised her daughter alone. Sofia saw every tear her mother hid behind her smile. Because of that, she grew up faster than other girls. She learned how to comfort her mother when no one else did.

Every evening, when Sofia came home from work, Linda waited with dinner ready. They talked while eating. Linda asked, “Was your day good?”
Sofia smiled, “Yes, Mom. But you look tired again.”
Linda sighed softly, “I’m fine, honey. Just thinking about life.”
Sofia didn’t ask more. She already knew her mother missed love.

Linda had started feeling lonely. She never said it loudly, but it showed in her eyes. She sometimes looked at the empty chair beside her. She sometimes watched couples passing by their window. Sofia noticed everything, but she never mentioned it. She only said, “You have me, Mom.”
Linda smiled, but her voice was quiet, “Yes, but I can’t hold you forever, Sofia.”

One Sunday morning, life took a small turn. Linda went shopping in town. She met a man there — Tony Parker, a 45-year-old businessman. He looked confident and spoke sweetly. He helped her carry her bags. Linda came home later that day smiling. Sofia asked, “Why are you smiling like that?”
Linda laughed softly, “I met a nice man today. His name is Tony. He was kind.”
Sofia said nothing, but a strange feeling touched her heart. She whispered, “Just be careful, Mom.”

A few days later, Tony called. Then he called again. And again. Linda answered every time. She laughed during those calls, like a young woman again. She started using her favorite perfume, combing her hair differently, and humming small songs. Sofia was happy to see her mother smiling, but deep inside, she was afraid of losing her again — this time to another man.

One evening, Linda said while cooking, “Tony asked me for coffee tomorrow. I think I’ll go.”
Sofia looked at her mother and said gently, “If it makes you happy, go.”
Linda turned and said, “You don’t mind?”
Sofia smiled faintly, “No, Mom. I just want you safe.”
Linda touched her hand, “I know, sweetheart. But sometimes we all need someone.”

After that day, Tony became part of their daily talk. Linda spoke about him at dinner. She said, “He’s funny. He listens to me. He makes me feel special.”
Sofia nodded, but her heart stayed quiet. Something about him didn’t feel right. His words sounded too sweet, too quick.

Weeks passed. Tony sent flowers, chocolates, and long messages. He told Linda she was beautiful, strong, and special. Linda began to believe him. She said to Sofia, “Maybe God is giving me another chance.”
Sofia said softly, “Maybe. Just make sure this chance doesn’t break you.”
Linda smiled and said, “You worry too much.”

One afternoon, Tony came to their home for the first time. He wore a shiny suit and carried flowers. He spoke kindly to Sofia and called her “dear.” But his eyes stayed on her too long. Sofia felt uncomfortable but said nothing. She didn’t want to upset her mother.

After he left, Sofia said quietly, “Mom, I don’t like his eyes.”
Linda frowned. “What do you mean?”
“He looks at me strangely,” Sofia said.
Linda got a little upset. “Sofia, he’s a good man. Don’t start imagining things.”
Sofia stayed silent. She didn’t want to argue.

That night, Linda sat on the bed, smiling while reading Tony’s text message. Sofia watched from the door. A tear rolled down her cheek. She whispered to herself, “I just don’t want her to get hurt again.”

Days later, Tony began visiting often. He brought gifts and compliments. Linda started trusting him completely. She said to Sofia, “He respects me. He says he wants to protect both of us.”
Sofia only smiled weakly. In her heart, she prayed, Please, God, don’t let this man destroy her peace.

Linda didn’t see her daughter’s fear. She only saw her own dream — to be loved again before it was too late.

The first chapter of their life was closing. A new one was about to begin. One that would test both love and truth in ways neither of them was ready for.