Now, at 35, my days were all about kindergarten drop-offs, ballet classes, and bedtime stories. I loved being Nora’s mom and Garrett’s wife.
Having a safe, comfy routine made me think we’d made it. I believed our life was perfect and we were building something worth keeping. I didn’t see the problems hiding underneath.
That all changed on a normal Tuesday afternoon.
I was folding laundry in the hall when I froze. From Nora’s room came a soft whisper, her little voice saying words that made my stomach drop. I’ll never forget that sound.
“Don’t worry, Teddy. Mommy won’t be mad. Daddy said she’ll never find out.”
My heart skipped.
Every part of me went on alert. I tiptoed closer, barely breathing, and peeked through the cracked door.
My little girl was holding her stuffed bear like a best friend, her tiny face all serious. She looked so grown-up in that moment, and it scared me.
I pushed the door open slow.
“Sweetheart,” I said soft, keeping calm, “what won’t Mommy find out?”
Her eyes got big. She hugged Teddy tighter, almost hiding behind him. “I… I can’t say. Daddy told me not to.” The whisper made my blood run cold.