He couldn’t quite read her—was it guilt? Fear? Or just calculation? “What are you talking about?” she asked, attempting to keep her voice level, though a slight tremor betrayed her.
Crossing his arms defensively, David delivered the accusation. “Emily said you hit her when I’m not home. That you yell at her, push her.” Olivia let out a nervous, incredulous laugh, breaking eye contact. “That’s absurd! You know how much I love Emily. I would never do such a thing.”
“I saw the bruises, Olivia,” he cut in, his voice dropping to a threatening rumble. “She has finger marks on her arms and legs. How do you explain that?” All color drained from Olivia’s face. “Oh, come on, you know how kids are,” she said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “They run, they fall. She probably hurt herself at school or while playing…”
David shook his head, his anger spiking. “Some of those bruises are unmistakably shaped like fingers. And Emily was very specific about who put them there.”
Olivia took a step back, looking as though she’d been slapped. “And you believe her?” she snapped, her voice sharpening. “You trust a seven-year-old over me? David, think about us. Do you really think I’m capable of abuse?” David ran a hand through his hair, momentarily conflicted. “I don’t want to believe it, Olivia. But the physical evidence is there. And Emily has never lied to me about something like this.”
Olivia sighed dramatically, a heavy, weary sound. “Darling, children lie all the time, especially for attention. You don’t see what’s happening. She is jealous. She wants you all to herself, so she invents these stories to drive a wedge between us.” For a split second, doubt whispered in David’s ear. Could she be right? But the image of the terror in Emily’s eyes and the purple marks on her skin flooded back.
“This isn’t a story. It’s specific, consistent, and corroborated by injuries.” Before he could finish, Olivia interrupted, her voice rising in anger. “Those bruises prove nothing! Emily is clumsy! Maybe she did it to herself just to get your sympathy.”
David’s voice shook with indignation. “Do you honestly think my daughter would self-harm to get my attention? Listen to yourself!” Olivia seemed to realize she had overstepped, her confidence faltering. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. It just seems crazy. I love Emily like my own. I would never harm her!”
“Then explain why she is terrified of you?” David demanded. “Why does she tremble when you walk into a room? Why did she tell me about the closet threats?”
Olivia turned paler, if that were possible. David couldn’t contain his fury any longer. “Look, Olivia, I don’t know the whole truth yet. But I believe my daughter. And while I love you, the best thing right now is for you to leave. I need you to go stay somewhere else.”
Olivia’s head snapped up, eyes wide. “You’re kicking me out?” “I’m asking for space,” David corrected firmly. “I need time to talk to Emily and figure this out. She won’t feel safe until I do.”
Desperation crept into Olivia’s tone. “But where will I go?” David rubbed his face with tired hands. “Stay with a friend. Or a hotel. I’ll pay for the room if I have to. But you need to leave. Now.”
She looked around the room, searching for an exit strategy or a way to manipulate the situation, but seeing the granite resolve in David’s face, she deflated. “Fine,” she muttered. “I’ll pack a bag. But David, I swear, this is a huge misunderstanding.” “Not now, Olivia,” he cut her off. “Just go, please.”
She lowered her head and walked toward the bedroom. David watched her go, a storm of conflicting emotions churning within him. Part of him desperately wanted this to be a mistake. But the protector in him, the father who had seen the fear in his child’s eyes, knew he had to hold the line.
While Olivia packed, David went to Emily’s room. She was sitting on her bed, clutching her favorite stuffed bear like a lifeline. “Dad,” she whispered. “What happens now?” David sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her small shoulders. “Olivia is leaving for a while. I need you to tell me everything so we can fix this.”
Emily nodded, squeezing the bear. “Are you mad at me?” “No, sweetheart,” David said, kissing the top of her head. “I am incredibly proud of you for being brave enough to tell the truth. That was hard to do.” Emily relaxed slightly, leaning into him. “I was afraid you wouldn’t believe me.” “I will always believe you.”
They heard the front door click shut. Olivia was gone. Emily tensed, and David whispered, “Don’t be afraid. I won’t let her hurt you. I promise.” She nodded, though the fear in her eyes hadn’t fully dissipated. David knew the road ahead was long; healing physical and emotional wounds would take time. But as he held his daughter, he swore they would walk that path together…
