Two years after my wife's passing, I remarried, hoping to rebuild my family. But when my 5-year-old daughter whispered, "Daddy, new mom is different when you're gone," I was stunned. Strange noises from a locked attic, strict rules, and Sophie's fear spark a chilling mystery I can't ignore.

I never thought I'd find love again after losing Sarah. The way grief hollowed out my chest made breathing feel like an optional activity for months.

But then Amelia walked into my life, all warm smiles and gentle patience, and somehow she made the world feel lighter.

Not just for me, but for Sophie too. My five-year-old daughter took to her immediately, which felt like a miracle considering how rough the past two years had been.

The first time Sophie met Amelia at the park, my daughter had been reluctant to leave the swing set.

"Just five more minutes, Daddy," she'd pleaded, her little legs pumping higher and higher.

Then Amelia had walked up, her sundress catching the late afternoon light, and said something that changed everything: "You know, I bet you could touch the clouds if you went just a little bit higher."

Sophie's eyes had lit up like stars. "Really?"

"Well, that's what I always believed when I was your age," Amelia had replied with a wink. "Would you like me to push you?"

When Amelia suggested we move into her inherited home after we got married, it seemed perfect. The house was gorgeous, with its high ceilings and detailed woodwork that spoke of quiet grandeur.

Sophie's eyes went wide when she first saw her new bedroom, and I couldn't help but smile at her excitement.

"It's like a princess room, Daddy!" she'd squealed, twirling around in circles. "Can I paint the walls purple?"

"We'll have to ask Amelia, sweetheart. It's her house."

"Our house now," Amelia had corrected gently, squeezing my hand. "And purple sounds wonderful, Sophie. We can pick out the shade together."

Then I had to go away on business for a week – my first extended trip since the wedding. I was nervous about leaving my little family when everything still felt so new.

"You'll be fine," Amelia had assured me, pressing a travel mug of coffee into my hands as I headed for the airport. "And so will we. Sophie and I will have some quality girls' time."

"We're going to paint my nails, Daddy!" Sophie chimed in as I kneeled to kiss her forehead.

It seemed like everything was under control. But when I returned, Sophie nearly knocked me over with her hug, clinging to me like she used to right after Sarah died.

Her little body trembled against mine as she whispered, "Daddy, new mom is different when you're gone."

My heart stumbled in my chest. "What do you mean, sweetheart?"

Sophie pulled back, her lower lip quivering. "She locks herself in the attic room. And I hear weird noises when she's in there. It's scary, Daddy! And she says I can't go in that room, and... and she's mean."

I tried to keep my voice steady. "Mean how, Sophie?"

"She makes me clean my whole room all by myself, and she won't let me have ice cream even when I'm good." Sophie hung her head and sniffed. "I thought new mommy liked me, but… but…"

I hugged Sophie close as she started crying, my mind racing.

Amelia had been spending a lot of time in the attic, even before I left on my trip. She'd disappear up there for hours, and when I'd ask about it, she'd just smile and say she was "organizing things."

I didn't think much of it at first. Everyone needs their space, right? But now, I worried.

And while the behavior Sophie described wasn't the worst-case scenario I'd braced myself for when she said Amelia was mean to her, it was still a little harsh.

As Sophie cried against my chest, I couldn't help but wonder if bringing Amelia into our lives had been a huge mistake. Had I been so desperate to believe in our happy ending that I'd missed something important?

But I didn't say anything when Amelia came downstairs. I greeted her with a smile and made some remark about Sophie missing me as I lifted my daughter and carried her to her bedroom. Once she calmed down, we had a tea party with her favorite toys.

I hoped the moment had passed and we could get back to normal, but that evening, I found Sophie standing outside the attic door.

"What's in there, Daddy?" She pressed her hand against the door.

I wished I knew the answer. "Probably just old things, sweetie. Come on, it's almost bedtime."

But sleep wouldn't come that night. I lay in bed beside Amelia, watching shadows dance across the ceiling as questions chased each other through my mind.

Had I made a terrible mistake? Had I let someone into our lives who would hurt my little girl? I thought about the promises I'd made to Sarah in those final days. To keep Sophie safe. To make sure she grew up knowing love.

When Amelia slipped out of bed around midnight, I waited a few minutes before following her.

I watched from the bottom of the stairs as she unlocked the attic door and slipped inside. I waited but didn't hear her lock the door behind her.

I hurried up the stairs as silently as possible. Acting on impulse, I quickly opened the door and burst into the room.

My jaw dropped when I saw what was inside.

The attic had been transformed into something magical. Soft pastel walls, floating shelves lined with Sophie's favorite books, and a cozy window seat piled with pillows.

An easel stood in one corner, complete with art supplies, and twinkling fairy lights draped the ceiling. A child-sized tea table sat in another corner, complete with delicate china cups and a stuffed bear wearing a bow tie.

Amelia, who had been adjusting a teapot on the table, spun around when I entered.

"I... I was hoping to finish before I showed you. I wanted it to be a surprise," Amelia stammered. "For Sophie."

The room was beautiful, but I couldn't ignore the knot in my stomach. "It's beautiful, Amelia, but… Sophie says you've been very strict with her. No ice cream, making her clean alone. Why?"

"Very strict?" Amelia's shoulders slumped. "But I thought I was helping her become more independent. I know I'll never replace Sarah, and I'm not trying to, I just... I wanted to do everything right. To be a good mother." Her voice cracked. "But I've been doing everything wrong, haven't I?"

"You don't have to be perfect," I said softly. "You just have to be there."

"I keep thinking about my mother," Amelia confessed, sinking onto the window seat. "Everything had to be just so. When I started working on this room, I found myself channeling her without even realizing it. Being strict, maintaining order..."

She gestured at the perfect rows of books and the carefully arranged art supplies. "I've been so focused on creating this perfect space that I forgot children need mess and ice cream and silly stories."

Tears spilled down Amelia's cheeks. "I forgot what she needs most is just... love. Simple, everyday love."

The next evening, we brought Sophie up to the attic. She hung back at first, half-hiding behind my legs until Amelia kneeled beside her.

"Sophie, I'm so sorry I've been strict lately," Amelia said. "I was trying so hard to be a good mom that I forgot how to just... be there for you. Will you let me show you something special?"

Sophie peeked around me, curiosity winning over caution.