"Catherine, could you wash a few more apples? Rosa loves them."
Josh's voice was calm, almost affectionate, as if he hadn't just treated me like a maid. I sneered inwardly. He really knew how to act like a king now that he was back, as if the past two years didn't happen—as if I hadn't managed all the expenses and raised our daughter alone while he stayed in the institution.
"Sure, right away!" I replied with detached cheerfulness, leaving Mia, my daughter, to play on her own. The little girl giggled and hopped on her feet, her small steps pattering across the wooden floor. She skipped over to Rosa in the living room.
"Auntie Rosa!" Mia squealed, throwing her arms around Rosa's neck.
Rosa beamed, catching her effortlessly and planting a kiss on her cheek. "Mia, I have a gift for you—a pretty hairpin. Do you like it?"
My daughter's eyes lit up as Rosa pulled out a delicate pink hairpin shaped like a butterfly. "I love it!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight.
Josh leaned over and affectionately patted Mia's head, his expression unusually tender. Watching them, I felt an odd pang in my chest. They looked like a perfect little family—so warm, so cozy.
I turned back to the sink, the cold water running over my hands as I washed the apples. The bright red skin of the fruit gleamed under the light, but the chill water pricked my skin, grounding me. When I finally finished, I turned around to find Rosa standing in the doorway of the kitchen, her face soft with sympathy.
"Catherine, thank you so much. You've been really patient with Josh," she said gently.
I blinked, as if thrown off by her words. "What do you mean?" I asked, my tone even.
Rosa stepped closer, folding her hands nervously. "Josh hasn't been his best self these past two years and... well, you've lost your family. I really feel for you."
I forced a faint smile and handed her the washed apples, careful not to show any reaction. "It's nothing. Thank you for helping me take care of Mia. It's a relief knowing I can focus on work without worrying."
Rosa returned my smile, her eyes softening. "She's like a daughter to me. I'll do whatever I can to help."
"Thank you. Mia's lucky to have someone like you around." I paused for a moment before adding, "It would be even better if she officially recognized you as her godmother."
Rosa's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Are you serious?"
"Of course. Mia seems to really like you, too."
Just then, Josh appeared in the doorway, carrying Mia in his arms. "Go on, call her Mommy," he said with a grin, his tone playful but pointed.
Ignoring me completely, Mia wriggled out of his arms and ran straight to Rosa, hugging her tightly. "Mommy Rosa! I really like you! More than Mommy Catherine!"
Josh laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "You naughty girl, your mom's going to get jealous."
I waved it off with a generous smile. "It's fine. She's just a kid."
Rosa hugged Mia tightly, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Good girl, my good girl," she murmured, her voice trembling as tears welled up.
Josh reached up to wipe his eyes, pretending it didn't affect him as much as it did. I crossed my arms and leaned against the counter, watching the touching scene unfold before me. It was sweet, wasn't it? Heartwarming, even. But I knew better. This wouldn't last.
***
On New Year's Eve, the apartment buzzed with activity. The aroma of roasted meat filled the air, mingling with the scent of spices and freshly baked bread. I bustled around the kitchen, carefully arranging dishes on the dining table. Every plate gleamed, every glass sparkled under the warm glow of the lights above.
"Josh," I called out from the kitchen, stirring a pot of soup, "I heard Rosa's divorced now and living alone. She must be so lonely. Why not invite her to dinner with us? After all, she's Mia's godmother now—part of the family. Let's all celebrate together."
Josh's face lit up with joy. He hurried over and wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug, but I gently pushed him away. "I'm sweating a lot. Just go invite her," I said, smiling lightly.
Later, Rosa arrived, carrying a bottle of wine and a platter of bacon-wrapped scallops. She looked radiant, her cheeks flushed from the cold outside. I welcomed her warmly, pouring drinks for everyone as we gathered around the table for a lively dinner.
"Rosa, I really thank you on Josh's behalf!" I said, raising my glass in a toast. "You're the only one who doesn't hold his mental health issues against him. You're his truest friend."
Rosa's eyes softened as she gazed at Josh, emotion flickering in her expression. "We grew up together. Josh is a kind and brave person. He's not a bad man. Those things in the past were all misunderstandings. If you don't mind them, how could I?"
I smiled and poured her another glass of wine. The evening passed in a blur of laughter, clinking glasses and shared memories. After dinner, I cut up some fruit for everyone, then took Mia for a bath while Josh and Rosa cleaned up.
When I returned, I found Mia tugging on Josh's hand, her eyes bright with excitement. "Daddy, play with me!" she demanded, pulling him toward the living room.
Josh chuckled and followed her, Rosa close behind. They quickly settled into a game of hide-and-seek, their laughter echoing through the apartment. I leaned against the doorway, watching them with a faint smile.
Suddenly, Josh froze mid-step. His eyes widened unnaturally and thin, bloodshot veins crept across the whites of his eyes. His face contorted, twisting into something almost unrecognizable. Without warning, he grabbed Mia's arm tightly.
"Daddy, you're hurting me!" Mia cried, struggling against his grip.
Josh shoved her aside, his hand trembling as he reached for the fruit knife lying on the table.
"No!" Rosa's scream pierced the air, raw with terror.
