Chapter 20
Lily's second rule was simple.
"If I say something happened, listen before you decide if it did."
Daniel and Grace both promised.
Healing was slow. Daniel learned to say, "I'm here."
A year later, Daniel sold the mansion.
In the new house, Lily chose yellow curtains.
On moving day, Daniel found the black recorder.
"Keep it?"
Lily carried it to a wooden memory box and placed it inside.
"I don't need it in my pajamas anymore."
Grace smiled. "What do you want in your pocket instead?"
"Nothing."
At Christmas, Lily looked at both parents.
"Grandma was right. Secrets are supposed to be surprises."
Daniel asked, "And if a secret hurts?"
"We tell."
"Every time."
Lily nodded and opened her present.
May you like
Her laughter filled the room.
Daniel finally understood: protecting Lily meant making sure she never had to fight alone to be believed.
