When he knocked, she opened the door immediately, eyes widening the second she saw Sophie.
“What happened?” she whispered.
He didn’t answer right away.
Because if he spoke too soon—
he might not stay calm.
“She fell,” he said finally, voice flat. “I need you to sit with her.”
His mother took Sophie carefully, murmuring soft reassurances, rocking her the way only a grandmother could.
Sophie buried her face into her shoulder.
Safe.
Protected.