Chapter 16
When Sophie was ten, she asked to read Laura’s letter.
Not all of it.
Dr. Lane helped us choose parts.
We sat in the garden with Megan.
I read:
Sophie is not my replacement in your life. She is our love still living.
Sophie cried.
I stopped.
She said, “Keep going.”
I read:
If she is scared, believe the fear before you explain it.
My voice broke.
Sophie leaned against me.
“You do now.”
“Yes.”
Megan wiped her eyes.
Sophie looked at her.
“Mommy Laura was smart.”
“The smartest,” Megan said.
That year, Sophie asked to use some trust money to help other kids.
I told her she did not have to.
She said, “I want the bad room money to make safe rooms.”
So we created The Laura Reed Safe Door Fund.
Emergency counseling.
Legal help.
Temporary housing for children escaping abusive caregivers.
The logo was Sophie’s painting.
A yellow door open to sunlight.
At the launch, I spoke.
“My daughter once asked, ‘Do you believe me now?’ No child should have to ask twice.”
Sophie sat in the front row holding Megan’s hand.
Afterward, she whispered, “Mommy Laura helps kids now.”
May you like
“Yes,” I said.
“So do I.”
