It was already late when Sophia and Aurora finally left.
"I never thought I'd get to see my aunt again… Sophia, I don't even know how to thank you."
"It's nothing, Mom. It was a small thing." Then Sophia curved her lips slightly and said softly, "Mom, why don't we just stay in L City for the night?"
"That works. It's too late to rush back anyway."
Sophia nodded and drove off.
That night, the two of them lay on the same bed. It was very late, and Sophia could tell the person beside her still hadn't fallen asleep. She mumbled, "Mom, why are you still awake?"
"I'm about to sleep. You go to sleep first, sweetheart."
Aurora gently patted her back, just like she used to when Sophia was a child.
Sophia hummed softly and slowly drifted off.
"Sophia… Sophia?"
There was no response. Aurora sat up and tucked the blanket around her more securely. Her eyes swept the room, finally landing on Sophia's phone.
She lay back down and continued soothing her.
