The hospital social worker, Ms. Patel, arrived shortly after, carrying her report. “I interviewed Lily,” Ms. Patel said. “Her story is consistent, and she displays a genuine fear of her mother.” Eleanor tried to pivot, claiming Julian was manipulating Lily, but Ms. Patel shook her head. “He just arrived from Tokyo three hours ago. The medical evidence of a week-old untreated wound doesn’t lie.”
Eleanor didn’t protest. She didn’t ask to see Lily. She left, the lingering scent of expensive perfume the only trace of her presence.
That night, Julian stayed in a chair next to his daughter’s hospital bed, keeping vigil as she finally drifted into a peaceful sleep, free from the pain that had plagued her. When Lily woke in the dim light, she whispered, “Papa… do I have to go back to Mom?”
Julian brushed her hair back gently from her forehead. “No, sweetheart. You’re staying with me. You’re safe now.”
Lily exhaled a long breath, as if releasing a heavy weight she had been carrying for far too long. “Thank you for believing me.”
“Always,” Julian choked out, his voice thick with emotion. “That will never change.”
Three weeks later, a judge reviewed the photos, the medical reports, and the flight tickets. “Gross negligence and flight risk,” the judge ruled. “Sole physical custody to the father.”
Six months later, Lily’s back had fully healed. On a sunny Sunday at the park, she swung high into the air, the breeze carrying her laughter. “Papa… Mom used to say adults only believe other adults.”
Julian gently pushed her, watching the joy in her face as she swung higher. “Good adults believe children when they ask for help.”
“Yes, Lily,” Julian said, his heart swelling with love and relief as he watched her soar. “You are safe.”
