One Day, My 7-Year-Old Daughter Came Home From Grandpa’s House and Cheerfully Said, “Mom, Did You Know Grandpa Always Tells Me to Close My Eyes? Then We Go Into the Bathroom Together and Play Our Secret Game.” I Froze. When I Asked What Kind of Game, She Replied, “Grandpa Said You’d Definitely Be Angry If You Found Out. He Even Asked Me Not to Tell Anyone Until We Finished.” My Heart Began Pounding. I Immediately Grabbed My Car Keys and Drove to My Father’s House. But When I Opened the Bathroom Door Without Warning, My Knees Nearly Gave Way, and I Burst Into Tears…

“Mom, did you know Grandpa always tells me to close my eyes before we go into the bathroom?”

I nearly dropped the spoon in my hand.

“What did you say, sweetheart?”

 

“We have a secret game. Grandpa tells me to close my eyes until he gets everything ready.”

I slowly sat down beside her.

“Emily, what happens after that?”

My daughter shrugged.

“Then we start playing. But Grandpa says you’ll definitely get angry if you find out.”

My blood ran cold.

 

I tried to remain calm.

“Sweetheart, you can tell me anything. Even if someone has asked you to keep it a secret.”

Emily looked at me.

“But Grandpa promised that when we finish, you’re going to cry.”

I was completely confused.

“Why would I cry?”

“I don’t know. Grandpa sometimes cries, too.”

 

I hugged my daughter tightly.

Then I gently asked whether Grandpa had ever made her feel uncomfortable or frightened.