I didn’t answer.
Because I was terrified of the thought already forming in my mind.
That evening, while Robert was out, I went into Emily’s bedroom.
She was sitting on her bed in an oversized black shirt. Her red hair covered half her face.
“Emily, sweetheart, please tell me the truth.”
She stared silently at the floor.
“Has someone been hurting you?”
My daughter went pale.
“Mom…”
I could barely force out my next words.
“Does this have something to do with Daddy?”
Emily’s eyes filled with tears.
“Please don’t tell Dad.”
My knees almost gave way.
“Sweetheart, you don’t have to be afraid of anything. Whatever happened, I promise I’ll protect you.”
Emily suddenly stood up, hurried to the bedroom door, and locked it.
Then she slowly walked back toward me.
“Mom, I didn’t want you to find out this way.”
Her hands were trembling.
