There was a mutter of thunder from the blackened sky as the wind howled. Sophia shrieked and jumped right into my arms. I held her in place as she buried her face in my chest. She was scared of the sound of thunder. I laughed in my head.

"It's okay. Don't be scared." I comforted her. I could feel myself slowly backsliding from my decision.

She pulled back embarrassed and stood, facing me. Even though I was sitting and she was standing, our faces were still on the same level. She was so close ...