I Remarried After My Wife’s Passing — One Day My Daughter Said, ‘Daddy, New Mom Is Different When You’re Gone’

A man standing in his home at night | Source: Midjourney

I watched from the bottom of the stairs as she unlocked the attic door and slipped inside. I waited but didn’t hear her lock the door behind her.

I hurried up the stairs as silently as possible. Acting on impulse, I quickly opened the door and burst into the room.

My jaw dropped when I saw what was inside.

A shocked man standing in a doorway | Source: Midjourney

The attic had been transformed into something magical. Soft pastel walls, floating shelves lined with Sophie’s favorite books, and a cozy window seat piled with pillows.

An easel stood in one corner, complete with art supplies, and twinkling fairy lights draped the ceiling. A child-sized tea table sat in another corner, complete with delicate china cups and a stuffed bear wearing a bow tie.

Amelia, who had been adjusting a teapot on the table, spun around when I entered.

A woman glancing over her shoulder in surprise | Source: Midjourney

“I… I was hoping to finish before I showed you. I wanted it to be a surprise,” Amelia stammered. “For Sophie.”

The room was beautiful, but I couldn’t ignore the knot in my stomach. “It’s beautiful, Amelia, but… Sophie says you’ve been very strict with her. No ice cream, making her clean alone. Why?”

“Very strict?” Amelia’s shoulders slumped. “But I thought I was helping her become more independent. I know I’ll never replace Sarah, and I’m not trying to, I just… I wanted to do everything right. To be a good mother.” Her voice cracked. “But I’ve been doing everything wrong, haven’t I?”

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