“And I wish I had been allowed to be thirteen without responsibilities I wasn't ready for.”
Emma took a breath.
“But none of that means I regret you.”
Sophie looked at her.
“You were a baby,” Emma continued. “You didn't choose what happened. You didn't cause the decisions adults made. And you never deserved to carry blame for any of it.”
“I know.”
“I need you to really believe that.”
Sophie nodded.
Emma brushed a strand of hair away from her daughter's face.
“I love you. I have loved watching you grow into the person you are. But you don't have to turn the difficult parts of my past into a debt you owe me.”
Sophie began crying.
Emma pulled her into a hug.
“I don't want you thinking you have to make my sacrifices worthwhile,” Emma whispered. “Your life belongs to you.”
They remained together for a long time.
