The marks were already bruising.
But the doctor assured him—she would heal.
“Dad?” she whispered.
“Anything, sweetheart.”
“Why was she so mean to me?”
He paused… choosing his words carefully.
“Some people don’t know how to love properly. That’s not your fault.”
“…Will you marry someone like that again?”
“Never without making sure you feel safe first.”
She smiled faintly.
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you more.”
The next day, Stephanie left.
Two weeks later, a kind nanny named Patricia joined their home.
