“Papa… Mommy did something bad, but she told me that if I told you, things would get much worse. Please help me… my back hurts so much.”
Lily Cross’s voice was a faint whisper, barely audible as it drifted from her pastel-painted bedroom in one of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods. Julian Cross had just returned from a high-stakes business trip to Tokyo. His luggage still sat in the foyer, and his heart was ready to embrace his daughter. But as soon as he entered, he saw only a blur of Eleanor Vance, his ex-wife, hurrying down the stairs.
He went up to Lily’s room and knocked softly. “Princess, I’m home. Come give Daddy a hug.”
“I’m here,” Lily replied flatly, her voice lacking its usual spark. She didn’t move from the bed.
Julian entered and found her sitting stiffly on the edge of the mattress, facing the wall. She was drowning in a t-shirt that hung far too large on her small frame. Her posture was unnaturally hunched.
“What’s the matter, sweetie?” Julian asked gently, moving closer. Lily stood slowly, with such stiffness it was clear she was in pain. When Julian reached out to embrace her, she winced, crying out.
“Ow, Papa! Not so tight… you’re hurting me.”
Julian recoiled in shock, fear tightening his chest. “Where does it hurt?”
“My back… it’s been hurting for days. Mom says it was an accident, but I can’t lay down on it,” Lily whispered, her voice trembling.
A cold weight settled in Julian’s stomach. He knelt in front of her, his heart pounding. “You can tell me the truth, Lily. I’m right here.”
A chill ran down Julian’s spine, but he held her hands tightly in his. “I believe you, Lily. Always. Now, tell me what happened.”
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