Meditation gone wrong

I walked through the front door, my mind still buzzing from the events of the night. As I stepped into the sitting room, I found my father wide awake, a curious expression on his face. Layla, her tail wagging furiously, bounded toward me, her paws skidding on the polished floor.

"Daddy, what are you doing up?" I asked, scratching Layla behind the ears.

"I could ask you the same thing," my father replied, gesturing to the clock on the wall. "It's late, Lyra. Have you been sneaking out at night?"

I hesitated, guilt tugging at my insides. "I... I had to go out, Daddy. It's complicated."

My father's brow furrowed. "Complicated? What do you mean, Lyra?"

Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze and said, "I was with Mom, with Catherine."

My father's eyes widened in shock. "Lyra, not this again. You know your mother... she's gone."

"No, Daddy," I insisted, my voice rising. "You're lying! I saw her. I spoke to her."

My father's expression darkened as he said, "Lyra, don't say such things. You kn