I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 61

Sophie accompanied Gwen Grayson to the hospital to get her cast removed. On the way back, she swung by the supermarket to pick up some soup bones and fresh vegetables. She made a hearty stew for Gwen, portioning the leftovers into freezer-safe containers so she could easily heat them up whenever she wanted.

"You are an absolute angel."

Gwen drank the rich broth Sophie had made, flashing her a flattering smile.

"Takeout is packed with sodium and grease, and it's terrible for you. You need to focus on healing right now. You can't just survive on fast food every day."

After she spoke, Sophie couldn't help but laugh at herself—she sounded exactly like her mother.

She shot Gwen a playful sideways glance and teased, "I'm practically turning into your mother hen."

"What can I say? I simply can't live without you now." Gwen grabbed her arm and rested her head affectionately on Sophie's shoulder.

Sophie playfully pushed her away, pretending to be grossed out by the sap, before asking seriously, "Is your dad still angry? Will he come stay with you for the holidays?"

The last time Sophie came to visit, she had walked right into an argument between Gwen and her father.

George Grayson had claimed he was coming to take care of his temporarily immobilized daughter. But within a few days, he discovered a local casino nearby. He would walk through the doors the second they opened at nine in the morning and wouldn't drag himself out until ten at night.

The casino offered free lunch and dinner. Once George had eaten his fill, he completely forgot about his daughter. Gwen had to call and practically beg him several times a day just to get him to come back.

Eventually, Gwen confiscated his gambling money. George had blown up at her, screaming, "I am your father! Who the hell do you think you are, trying to control me?"

Then, completely ignoring the fact that his daughter's foot hadn't healed and she could barely move, he packed his bags and went straight back to his hometown.

"It's better if he doesn't come. I'd rather have some peace and quiet. If he shows up, it's only because he wants money. Sometimes I wish I didn't even have a father."

Just bringing him up made Gwen boil with anger.

Sophie's voice was shaking. Even with Mia safely in her arms, her heart was still doing somersaults.

There were always horrific stories on the news about children falling from windows. If something had happened to Mia under her roof, how would she ever face Jason Jenkins?

When Sarah Sullivan returned carrying a bag of eggs and fruit, Mia was still clinging to Sophie, sobbing brokenly about waking up from her nap and being terrified when she couldn't find Sarah.

When Sarah heard what happened, a cold sweat broke out across her back.

"We were out of eggs. I saw how deeply Mia was sleeping and figured I'd just run out and be right back. I thought a few minutes wouldn't hurt."

"Mom, you can't leave Mia home alone again. It's too dangerous. If you need anything, call me and I'll get it. It's terrifying for a child to wake up to an empty house."

Fueled by leftover adrenaline, Sophie's tone came out a bit harsher than intended. Tears instantly welled up in Sarah's eyes.