CHAPTER 7
Michael carried Lily to the breakfast nook and set her gently on the cushioned bench.
He crouched in front of her.
“Look at me, sweetheart.”
She lifted her tearful eyes.
“Did she touch your head?”
Lily looked at Vanessa.
Michael followed her gaze.
Vanessa’s face was stiff.
“Lily,” Michael said softly, “you are safe with me. You can tell the truth.”
Lily swallowed.
“I slipped,” she whispered.
Vanessa exhaled.
Then Lily added, “After she pulled the chair away.”
Michael went completely still.
Vanessa snapped, “That is not what happened.”
Lily covered her ears.
Michael stood, placing himself between them again.
“You will not raise your voice at her.”
Vanessa’s mask broke.
“She is ruining my life!”
The words hit the bright kitchen walls and hung there.
Michael looked at Lily.
Lily looked down.
Because children always think adult anger is their fault.
May you like
Michael’s voice turned quiet.
“No,” he said. “She just revealed yours.”
