After losing my wife, Elise, I couldn’t imagine loving again.
But my daughter, Tessa, kept me going.
Then I met Laura, who was different from Elise—warm and cheerful.
Tessa surprisingly warmed to her too, and soon, we were building a new life together.
Two years later, Laura and I married, and we moved into her inherited Victorian home. Tessa loved her new room, and Laura promised, “I’ll make it pink with rainbow curtains.”
Unseen Struggles
A week after moving in, I left for a business trip, leaving Tessa with Laura. Tessa seemed uneasy, but Laura assured me they’d have fun. When I returned early, Tessa clung to me, saying, “New mom acts differently when you’re not here.” She mentioned Laura was stricter and locked the attic door. I was concerned but didn’t immediately address it.
A Hidden Secret
Tessa’s anxiety grew. Late one night, I discovered the attic was locked, and strange noises came from inside. When I finally unlocked it, I found it transformed into a baby’s nursery. Laura confessed, “I lost a child before I met you, Andrew. I created this space for Tessa, but I lost sight of what she needed.” Laura had been strict, driven by her grief, but she loved Tessa deeply.
Healing Together
After a heart-to-heart, Laura apologized for her actions, and we showed Tessa the attic. Tessa was overjoyed. Laura and I learned to balance our pasts with our new life, and the attic became a beloved space for Tessa. Our family grew stronger, embracing both joy and the pain of the past. Now, we cherish the simple moments, knowing that healing comes through understanding and love.