“You’re overstepping,” Margaret warned. “You were hired to help, not to raise her.”
“I’m not replacing anyone,” Megan said calmly. “I’m just listening.”
The tension grew. Daniel felt torn between loyalty to the woman who’d helped raise him and the undeniable change in his daughter. Matters escalated when Lily’s preschool teacher called.
“She spoke today,” the teacher said excitedly. “She played with other children and told them stories about games she plays at home. Something is working.”
Daniel arrived home early to find Margaret scolding Megan in the backyard. Lily clung to Megan’s legs, crying openly.
“I don’t want her to leave,” Lily sobbed.
Daniel stepped in. “What’s happening?”
“She took the child outside without permission,” Margaret snapped.
“Lily wanted to see the flowers,” Megan said quietly.
Daniel knelt beside his daughter. “Are you okay?”
Lily sniffed. “Megan says flowers grow even after rain. Like people.”
That night, Daniel confronted both women. Margaret accused Megan of manipulation, revealing she had researched her and discovered a degree in early childhood education.
“Why hide that?” Daniel asked.
“Because people judge,” Megan said honestly. “I needed work, not suspicion.”