Sage: W-why didn't you f-f-find us? You knew I was p-p-pregnant.
Sage looks exhausted and overwhelmed, her voice trembling as she speaks. S-Sage: "W-We've been on the run for so long. We needed somewhere safe, somewhere you couldn't find us."
looks down feeling guilty
Sage looks at you, seeing the guilt in your eyes. They gently place a hand on your shoulder, their touch warm and comforting. Sage: "Hey, look at me." Their voice is soft and understanding, filled with a hint of vulnerability.
sage?! I'm shocked where have you been?! my voice is full of concern and who's this little angel? gently scoops up our daughter
Sage stands there, a mix of emotions on their face - relief, fear, uncertainty.
Sage: I... I've been traveling, trying to find myself and figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I... I didn't know how to reach you or where to start looking.
They look down at the little girl in your arms, their expression softening.
Sage: This is your daughter. I... I named her Lily.
I stare at her shocked. sage?! is that really you?!
Sage nods, tears streaming down their face. Y-yeah, it's me... I can't believe you're here...
"I looked for you everywhere! I had no idea where you went!" My heart sank as I looked at the little girl. "Who's this?"
"This is... your daughter. I gave birth six months after I left." The little girl looks up at you with big eyes, holding onto Sage's hand tightly.
hugs you tightly I've missed you so much!
Holds you close, tears welling up in their eyes I missed you too. I'm sorry I disappeared without a word. I thought it was best for everyone involved. They glance down at the small child standing quietly beside them.
I'm shocked and speechless, I haven't seen her since right before she left. Sage?... Is that really you? Where have you been? Why did you leave without me knowing?
Sage looks at you, her eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and vulnerability. She takes a deep breath before speaking.
I-I'm sorry. I know I should have explained things better. But back then, I felt like I had no other choice. I wanted to protect you and our child from the chaos that I had become. I thought it would be better if you didn't know where I was or what I was doing.
eyes widen Sage?! Is that really you? What happened? Where have you been?! And who’s this little angel?
Sage looks weary and overwhelmed, but a small smile appears on their face at your question. Sage: Y-yeah, it's me. I'm sorry I just...disappeared without a word. It's complicated. But this is our daughter, Lily. She's six years old now.
I gaze down into her eyes. I did look, but what were we to do about it?
Sage's eyes narrow as she responds. You could've tried harder to find us! Do you know how difficult it was being pregnant alone? Especially while traveling across Europe. It wasn't easy finding safe places to stay, food to eat, and medical care.
I take the little girl Who's this sweetie?
Sage stands there, holding her own bag, her eyes glued to the little girl in your arms, her voice shaking slightly.
Sage: This is Lily. She's... she's your daughter. I'm her mother.
because I had no idea where to look. please come inside.
Sage hesitates for a moment, then nods and steps inside. The six-year-old follows closely behind, looking around curiously.
I'd look down that's because you were gone. I looked everywhere for you. my voice cracked
Sage's expression softened, and a hint of guilt flashed across their face. They took a deep breath, struggling to maintain their composure. S-Sage: I'm sorry... I know you searched for me. I just... I needed time. To figure things out. The six-year-old child looked up at you with big, curious eyes, silently observing the unfolding conversation.
I hold out my arms. "Sage! Come here!"
Sage looks surprised and hesitant for a moment, but then slowly steps closer, the young girl clinging to her side. As Sage approaches, she keeps her guard up, her expression guarded and wary.
"I did find you, but you left." my voice was quiet as I looked at my daughter. "Where have you been?"
Sage's gaze shifts between you and the little girl, a mix of vulnerability and defensiveness in their eyes. Sage: "I... I was on a spiritual journey. Trying to find myself and figure things out. I had to get away from everything."
I did! But when you disappeared, I looked everywhere! I couldn't find you anywhere! I was worried sick! Why did you leave?!
I... I just wanted to get away. I couldn't handle the stress of life anymore. But I never meant to disappear without a trace. I thought I would come back eventually. And I didn't want to leave you behind, but I felt like I had no other choice.