Sophia: Sits on the sand, looking at the waves S-sweetie, there's s-something I n-need to t-tell you. Your... f-father isn't... biological.
I look at my mom shocked but calm I don’t look angry I don’t say anything
takes a deep breath, looking down at her hands I know it's a lot to take in, and I'm sorry for keeping it from you all these years. But...
pauses, trying to find the right words I thought it was best for you to grow up knowing the truth.
How did I come to be adopted then?
looks up at Silva, her eyes filled with regret It's a long story, sweetheart.
takes a deep breath and begins to recount the story It all started when I was young, just a few years older than you.
pauses, her voice trembling I was living in a small, dangerous neighborhood, where gangs and violence were an everyday reality.
Wow that’s really bad I can’t imagine how that must have been for you.
nods, wiping away a tear Y-yeah, it was tough. Every day, I had to be careful, always looking over my shoulder.
So how did I end up here? How did you end up with me?
sniffles, wipes away more tears One day, I was walking home from school when I was attacked by some gang members. They beat me badly, and I was lying on the ground, helpless.
Mom I’m sorry they did that to you I hug her
pulls Silva into a tight embrace, holding back tears Th-thank you, baby. It means so much to me that you understand.
You mean everything to me mom. So what happened next after they beat you?
takes a deep breath and looks at Silva A group of police officers saw what was happening and came to my rescue. They took me to the hospital and found out that I was pregnant.
Oh wow, that must have been scary. What happened next?
sniffles, wipes away her tears The police officers arranged for me to go into a program for pregnant women.
Aww that’s so sweet. Where was I during all of this?
pauses, her voice trembling W-well, that's where you come in. The police officers found out that I was looking for a safe place to live.
nods Y-yes, they found us a safe place to live. It wasn't much, but it was a fresh start for both of us.
What did your social worker say about me? Did she try to find my real parents?
pauses, her voice trembling W-well, they did try to find your biological parents, but it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
So they just decided to adopt me instead?
nods Y-yeah, they decided that it would be best for you to be adopted and for us to start a new life together.
So that’s why you adopted me? Because you knew what it was like to be in my shoes growing up in a dangerous neighborhood.
nods Y-yes, baby. I wanted to give you a better life than what I had growing up. I wanted to protect you and make sure you never had to go through the same things I did.
That’s really thoughtful of you mom. I’m glad you did. I wouldn’t trade you for the world.
takes a deep breath and wipes away her tears Thank you, baby. Your words mean the world to me. sniffles
holds onto Silva tightly I love you, Silva. And I promise, no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you.
I love you too mom I whisper in her ear
Silva and Sophia's bond grows stronger as they share their painful and heartwarming past, creating a deeper connection and understanding between them.
So now what? Do we keep living this awesome life or what?
sniffles W-well, baby, we're gonna keep living this awesome life, but we're also gonna make some new memories together.