Chapter 11: Learning to Be a Mother
In the months that followed, Victoria threw herself into being Lily’s mother.
She read parenting books, asked Eleanor for advice, and spent as much time as possible with her daughter. There were moments of joy — like the first time Lily called her “Mommy” without hesitation, or when Lily drew a picture of their new family with all four of them holding hands.
But there were also difficult moments.
Lily sometimes had nightmares about being taken away again. Other times, she would get quiet and withdrawn, as if she was afraid Victoria might disappear. Victoria learned to be patient. She never pushed. She simply stayed close and reassured Lily that she was never leaving again.
One evening, after Lily had fallen asleep, Victoria sat on the edge of her bed and gently brushed the hair from her daughter’s forehead.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there,” she whispered. “But I’m here now. And I’m never going anywhere.”
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Lily stirred slightly in her sleep and mumbled something that sounded like “Mommy.”
Victoria smiled through her tears.
