She gave a small, nervous smile.

“Emily would probably say my hair looks like a bird built a nest in it.”

I laughed softly.

“That sounds exactly like her.”

Then Sophie’s eyes drifted toward the space where Emily should have been standing.

Her expression changed.

“She was supposed to be right here, Mom.”

I wrapped my arms around her.

She whispered something that broke my heart.

“What if I’m happy today? What if I laugh and forget to miss her?”

I gently held her face.