“Daddy,” Lily called when she noticed him, her smile faltering, as if unsure she was allowed to feel happy.
Daniel turned away and shut himself into his study, hands shaking as he poured a drink he didn’t taste. Gratitude washed over him, followed by jealousy and confusion. Why could Lily speak so easily with Megan but barely meet his eyes?
The next morning, Daniel pretended to leave for work, then parked down the street. He returned quietly and installed small cameras in shared spaces, ashamed of his suspicion yet desperate for answers.
For days, he watched the footage late at night. Megan turned every task into connection. Laundry became conversations about colors. Cooking became counting. Stories drifted into gentle talks about feelings and memory.
“Why does the sky turn orange at night?” Lily asked once.
Megan smiled. “Because the sun is saying goodbye. It doesn’t mean it’s gone forever.”
Daniel felt his chest tighten. Lily nodded, absorbing the idea without fear.
Not everyone approved. Margaret Hale, the longtime house manager who had worked for the Carter family for decades, watched Megan with open distrust.