**Chapter 14: "The Mother's Return"**

Sophia walked into the kitchen, the warm sunlight streaming through the window and illuminating the tense scene unfolding before her. Her father, Dan, was standing by the stove, his back to her, while her mother, Amanda, was pacing back and forth across the room, her voice rising with each passing moment. "Sophia, sweetie, I know you're in there," Amanda called out, her voice dripping with malice. "I want to talk to you." Sophia's heart sank as she felt a familiar sense of dread wash over her. She had been dreading this moment for weeks, knowing that her mother's return was inevitable. She took a deep breath and stepped into the kitchen, her eyes locked on Amanda's. "Amanda, leave her alone," Dan said, his voice firm. "You've been gone for months, and now you're just going to waltz back in here and disrupt her life again?" Amanda's face twisted into a snarl. "I'm her mother, Dan. I have a right to see my daughter." Sophia felt a surge of anxiety as she watched her mother's eyes narrow. She knew that look, that tone, and it sent a shiver down her spine. She had thought she was safe, that she had left her mother's abuse behind her. "I'm not going to let you hurt her again," Dan said, his voice low and menacing. Amanda's laughter was cold and mirthless. "You're not going to let me? You're not going to let me see my own daughter? You're just a selfish, controlling man who only cares about himself." Sophia felt a wave of nausea wash over her as she watched her mother's face contort into a mask of anger and hatred. She knew that she had to get out of there, to get away from her mother's toxic influence. "Mom, stop," Sophia said, her voice firm. "Just leave me alone." Amanda's eyes snapped to Sophia's, and for a moment, Sophia felt like she was drowning in their depths. She saw the same old anger, the same old hatred, and she knew that she had to protect herself. "You're just like your father," Amanda spat. "Weak and spineless. You'll never amount to anything." Sophia felt a stinging sensation in her eyes as tears began to well up. She knew that she couldn't let her mother's words get to her, but it was hard to shake off the pain and hurt that they brought. Dan stepped forward, his arms open wide. "Sophia, come here," he said, his voice soft. Sophia walked into his arms, feeling a sense of safety and security wash over her. She knew that she was loved, that she was valued, and that she didn't have to face her mother's abuse alone. As she looked over her father's shoulder, Sophia saw Nathan standing in the doorway, his eyes locked on hers. She felt a surge of gratitude towards him, knowing that he was there for her, that he cared. "I'm so sorry, Sophia," Nathan said, his voice low. "I'll do whatever it takes to help you." Sophia smiled, feeling a sense of hope and relief wash over her. She knew that she wasn't alone, that she had people who cared about her, and that together, they could face anything. Amanda's voice cut through the silence, her tone venomous. "You're just a pathetic little boy who thinks he can save her," she spat. "You'll never be able to protect her from me." Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched her mother's face twist into a snarl. She knew that she had to get away from her, to get her out of her life for good. "Get out," Dan said, his voice firm. "Get out of my house, and don't come back." Amanda's laughter was cold and mirthless. "This isn't over," she said, her eyes locked on Sophia's. "This is far from over." As Amanda turned and walked out of the house, Sophia felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like she wasn't alone. She had Nathan, and she had her father, and together, they would face whatever came their way.