“Leave her alone, Mom. She’s been doing this lately.”
Vanessa added smoothly, “It’s better if we don’t make a big deal out of it. Please don’t interfere.”
Those words landed like a stone in my chest.
Lily sat alone near the pool while the others laughed in the water. Her small legs swung back and forth, disconnected from the joy only feet away.
When I went inside to use the bathroom, I didn’t realize she’d followed me until I heard soft footsteps behind me.
She tugged my sleeve.
“Grandma,” she whispered, glancing toward the backyard to make sure no one was near. Her voice trembled. “Actually… Daddy and Mama…”
Her words stuck in her throat. Her little body shook as if speaking required enormous courage.
Before she could continue, Vanessa’s voice echoed down the hallway, cheerful but sharp beneath the sweetness.
“Lily? There you are!”
Lily froze instantly.
Vanessa appeared holding a small white pill. “Time for your stomach medicine,” she said lightly.
Medicine?
I frowned. “Since when is she on medication?”
“It’s just something mild,” Vanessa replied quickly. “The pediatrician suggested it.”
Lily looked at the pill with fear, not relief.
“I don’t want it,” she murmured.