New neighbor

**Sophia’s (formerly Charlotte’s) Point of View**

After the difficult visit from Richard, the atmosphere at home was filled with a mix of tension and uncertainty. The children seemed unsettled, not fully understanding how to process the presence of the stranger who had been introduced to them as their father. And I, despite my efforts to maintain calm and stability, felt the weight of every decision I would have to make in the coming days.

As the sun began to set, I sat on the living room sofa, watching my children play on the rug. They laughed and ran around, but something was different in the air, as if the carefree innocence had been interrupted by a reality they didn’t fully comprehend yet.

Richard had left a few hours ago, after a goodbye that was both cordial and painful. I knew he was struggling with his emotions, trying to reconnect with the children he didn’t know, trying to fit into a space that was no longer his. And deep down, I was also struggling—not just to protect my children, but to protect myself from everything this reunion was awakening.

I knew I would have to face this situation head-on, find a way to balance Richard’s rights with the safety and well-being of the children. But how? How could I allow him to become part of a life he had been absent from for so long without causing more harm?

These questions swirled in my mind when the phone rang. I picked up the phone, recognizing my lawyer’s number. He had become a constant presence in my life in recent weeks, helping me navigate this legal battle that seemed only just beginning.

“Good evening, Sophia,” he began, his voice professional and calm. “I’m just calling to check in on how today’s visit went and to discuss the next steps.”

I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. “It was difficult,” I admitted, not trying to hide the truth. “Richard came early, and the kids… well, they didn’t recognize him. It was confusing and painful for all of us.”

He was silent for a moment, likely processing the information. “I understand,” he finally responded. “These situations are always complicated, but it’s important to remember that you have the right to ensure everything happens at the right pace for them. We can consider supervised visits, at least initially, to help with the transition.”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “I think that would be best. Richard wants to be present, but we can’t just force this on the children. They need time to get used to him, to understand who he is.”

“I agree,” he said firmly. “I’ll work on the details and get in touch with Richard’s lawyer to discuss a solution that works for everyone. The important thing is for you to stay firm in what you believe is best for the children.”

After a few more minutes of conversation, I hung up the phone, feeling a slight sense of relief. Knowing I had someone by my side, someone who understood the complexity of the situation and was willing to fight for us, gave me the strength to continue.

But the relief was quickly replaced by another emotion—a feeling of emptiness, of uncertainty. No matter how hard I tried to stay calm, I knew the future was uncertain, that every step could lead us to new conflict, new pain.

As I got up to go to my children, I saw their little hands holding toys with an innocence I wanted to preserve at all costs. The idea that they were being pulled into a world of adult complications tore me apart inside.

“Are you okay?” I asked softly, sitting down beside them.

They looked at me, their big, innocent eyes, and nodded. But I knew they were holding back, trying to understand what that day had brought into their small lives.

“Who was that man?” my daughter asked, her voice low and curious.

The question hit me hard, but I was already prepared. I knelt beside her, running my hand through her soft hair. “He’s your daddy,” I explained, trying to keep my voice calm. “He wants to get to know you, spend time with you. But nothing will change between us. I’ll always be here to protect and take care of you.”

She seemed to think for a moment before asking, “Will he come back?”

I swallowed hard, knowing the answer was inevitable. “Yes, he’ll come back. But only when you’re ready. Everything will happen in its own time, okay?”

My children nodded, returning to their toys with a little more ease, but I knew their question still lingered in the air, filled with implications that none of us were truly prepared to face.

I heard a knock on the door right after. I sighed, thinking that maybe Richard had forgotten something. But when I opened the door, I was surprised to find a man I had never seen before.

“Sorry to bother you,” he said with a shy smile. “I’m your new neighbor. I just moved in and thought it would be nice to introduce myself.”

My heart skipped a beat, and I didn’t exactly know why. Maybe it was the tension of the day or the surprise of finding a stranger at my door. But something in his gaze made me feel like my life was about to get even more complicated.

“Nice to meet you,” I replied, trying to keep my composure. “I’m Sophia.”

“The pleasure is mine,” he said, extending his hand. “My name is Adrian.”

As we shook hands, I couldn’t help but notice how attractive he was. His presence seemed to fill the space around us, and the firmness of his handshake conveyed a confidence I hadn’t expected. I felt a wave of nervousness, something that hadn’t happened in a long time, especially when meeting someone new.

Adrian had a striking appearance, with deep eyes and a smile that, although shy, exuded a certain confidence. There was something about him that intrigued me, a kind of magnetism that made me feel instantly drawn to him. And that caught me off guard, as if a part of me that I had buried a long time ago was awakening.

“I’m your neighbor from the apartment next door,” he continued, breaking the silence while I tried to organize my thoughts. “If you need anything, I’m around.”

“Thank you,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “It’s always nice to meet the neighbors.”

He smiled again, and this time the smile reached his eyes, lighting up his face in a way that almost made me forget the complicated situation I was in. For a brief moment, all that mattered was that unexpected encounter, that exchange of glances that seemed to carry more meaning than it should.

“Well, I don’t want to take up more of your time,” Adrian said, taking a step back. “But if you need anything, just call.”

“Of course,” I replied, still processing what had just happened. “Thank you for the kindness.”

Adrian gave a slight nod and walked away, leaving me at the door, watching as he disappeared down the hallway. I closed the door slowly, trying to calm the wave of emotions his presence had stirred in me.

I leaned against the door for a moment, taking a deep breath. What was happening? I didn’t have the time or space for complications, but it seemed that my life was determined to get complicated, no matter how much I tried to keep it under control.

I went back to the living room, where the children were still playing, oblivious to the whirlwind inside me. I sat on the sofa, trying to regain my composure, but the thought of Adrian kept haunting me. There was something about that encounter, something I couldn’t define, but that I knew would go beyond a simple introduction between neighbors.

And so, once again, I found myself at a crossroads, where the past, present, and future seemed to intertwine in a way I couldn’t yet fully comprehend.