I couldn't believe how much Layla had changed since Lily arrived. She became a mother figure to that young girl, and I understood. But sometimes, I felt neglected.

Layla would spend hours on the phone with Lily, talking and laughing. I'd come home from work, and she'd barely notice me. Our conversations became rare.

One evening, I'd had enough. I snatched the phone from her hands. “Layla, I feel neglected,” I said, looking into her eyes.

She seemed surprised. “What do you mean?”

“You're always on the phone with Lily,” I explained. “Or talking about her. It's like I'm not important.”

Layla apologized, and I saw the sincerity in her...