006-- A day with her son

The morning sun cast a warm glow through the curtains of the master bedroom. Ethan was fastening his cufflinks when a soft knock came at the door. He opened it to find Daniel standing there, his school backpack slung over one shoulder. The boy hesitated for a moment before walking in, his gaze darting between his parents.

Sophia, who was still seated on the bed, looked up and froze as a flood of memories from her past life overwhelmed her. Her heart clenched painfully as she recalled the horrifying incident at Daniel's school. The fight had escalated into a brutal assault that left her son hospitalized for two months. In her previous life, she hadn't visited him once, consumed by her anger and obsession with Lucas. The memory of Daniel lying in that hospital bed, broken and alone, haunted her.

She jumped out of bed, startling both Ethan and Daniel.

"Daniel, you're not going to school today," she declared firmly.

Ethan frowned, adjusting his tie. "Sophia, what are you talking about? He has to go to school. He can't just skip because—"

"No!" Sophia interrupted, her voice trembling but resolute. "He's not going. Not today."

Daniel stared at her, wide-eyed and confused. "Mom… why?" he asked softly.

Sophia knelt in front of him, cupping his small face in her hands. "Because I said so," she whispered, her voice cracking. "Please, just trust me on this, okay?"

Ethan crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "Sophia, you're acting strange again. If you don't explain—"

"It's just a feeling, Ethan," she said, turning to him with pleading eyes. "Please, let him stay home today. I promise I'll take care of him. Just this once."

Daniel looked between his parents, sensing the tension. "It's okay, Dad," he said quietly. "I can stay with Mom if that's what she wants."

Sophia's heart swelled at his words. She smiled softly, her voice warm as she said, "Thank you, sweetheart."

To Ethan's surprise, she leaned forward and kissed Daniel's forehead, something he hadn't seen her do in years.

Ethan let out a sigh, his posture relaxing slightly. "Fine," he said. "But don't make this a habit, Sophia. He needs his education."

Sophia nodded, relief washing over her. "Thank you," she said sincerely.

Ethan picked up his briefcase, glancing back at them as he headed for the door. His gaze lingered on Sophia for a moment, her transformation still puzzling him. She was different, no doubt about it, and while part of him was wary, another part was… hopeful.

"Take care of him," he said, his voice softer than before.

"I will," Sophia promised.

Ethan gave a small nod, then left for work.

As the sound of Ethan's car faded, Sophia turned her full attention to Daniel. She crouched down again, her hands resting gently on his shoulders.

"Daniel," she began, her voice trembling, "I know I've hurt you in the past. I've been cold, harsh, and… I wasn't the mother you deserved."

Daniel blinked up at her, his small face filled with both confusion and curiosity.

"But I want to change that," Sophia continued. "I want to make up for all the times I hurt you. For all the times I didn't protect you."

Daniel's lips trembled, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you mean it, Mom? You won't be harsh to me anymore?"

Sophia's eyes filled with tears as she nodded. "I mean it, baby. I promise to be better. To be the mom you've always needed."

A tentative smile spread across Daniel's face, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he stepped forward and hugged her.

Sophia held him tightly, her tears falling freely. "I love you, Daniel," she whispered.

"I love you too, Mom," he said softly.

As they pulled apart, Sophia ruffled his hair affectionately. "Now," she said with a playful smile, "how about we spend the day together? Just you and me."

Daniel's face lit up. "Really? No work? No phone calls?"

"Really," she assured him. "Just us."

---

Sophia spent the day showering Daniel with attention and love. They baked cookies in the kitchen, flour dusting their clothes as they laughed and played. She taught him how to mix the dough properly, letting him crack the eggs and stir the batter.

Later, they curled up on the couch and watched his favorite cartoons. Sophia found herself laughing at the silly antics on the screen, something she hadn't done in years. Daniel leaned against her, his small hand clutching hers as if afraid she might disappear.

By the time the afternoon rolled around, they were outside in the garden, playing catch with a soft ball. Daniel's laughter rang out, pure and joyous, and Sophia felt a warmth in her chest that she hadn't experienced in what felt like a lifetime.

As the sun began to set, they sat on the patio, sipping on glasses of lemonade. Daniel looked up at her, his eyes sparkling.

"Mom," he said softly, "I like this version of you."

Sophia's heart ached with both joy and regret. "I like this version of me too," she admitted.

---

When Ethan returned home that evening, he found them sitting together on the couch, Daniel fast asleep with his head on Sophia's lap. She looked up as he entered, her expression serene but tinged with sadness.

"Hey," Ethan said softly, setting his briefcase down.

"Hey," she replied, stroking Daniel's hair.

Ethan sat down beside her, his gaze shifting between her and their son. "He looks happy," he remarked.

Sophia smiled faintly. "He is. We had a good day."

Ethan leaned back, studying her. "Sophia… what's going on with you? You're not the same woman I woke up to yesterday morning."

She hesitated, her fingers brushing Daniel's cheek. "I just… I realized how much I've taken for granted," she said finally. "And how much I've hurt the people I love."

Ethan frowned, his expression softening. "And now you're trying to make up for it?"

She nodded. "If you'll let me."

Ethan didn't reply immediately. Instead, he reached out, placing a hand over hers. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes.

"We'll see," he said quietly.

Sophia met his gaze, hope flickering in her eyes. She knew it would take time to rebuild their trust, but for the first time, she felt like she was on the right path.