In order to find out the truth, the anxious father chose to hide in the closet and was astounded by what he discovered: “Dad, don’t leave me with the new mom, she does terrible things.”
The atmosphere was heavier than usual with silence. A little over forty-year-old Victor sat on the edge of the couch and gazed at the TV while the news was on. However, he heard nothing at all. His mind strayed far into the past, into uncertainty, doubt, and recollections.
Everything changed a year ago. Six months after losing his wife, a new woman unexpectedly entered his life. The woman had just been promoted and was now in charge of the HR division when they first met at work. Simple talks beside the coffee maker were the norm at first, followed by sporadic get-togethers after work. Her presence became unavoidable without Victor even recognizing it. And she eventually moved into their home.
As usual, the day started off that way. Victor was startled out of his reverie by a slight sound coming from the corridor. His seven-year-old daughter was standing in the doorway when he looked up. She usually exploded into the room with inquiries and laughing, but now she was slouched, motionless, and obstinately staring at the floor.
— My dear… Are things going well? — Victor realized right away that something was amiss.
His heart fell when she raised her eyes and revealed red eyelids and tears. The girl muttered, biting her lip:
Can I speak with you, Dad?
Victor gave the couch next to him a pat. His daughter, maintaining an odd distance, approached cautiously and took a seat. Her voice trembled as her tiny fingers fidgeted with her dress’s hem:
I’m not sure how to put it. It concerns her.
Regarding whom? — Victor scowled.
— Concerning the woman… — The girl pressed her eyes shut, causing her cheeks to water once again. Please don’t leave me with her, Dad. She is a horrible person. I’m afraid.
Victor’s throat became caught with the words. He tried to talk quietly while giving his daughter a gentle embrace:
— My dear, what does she do? Tell me everything. I’m present. Perhaps she’s merely having fun?
The girl broke down in tears:
It’s not a game. I’m terrified. Believe me, please. She warned that I would suffer a terrible fate if you ever found out.
The worried father, who was desperate to learn the truth, said, “I believe you, my darling.”
As soon as the new “mom” walked into the girl’s room, he heard her stern voice and witnessed her snatching the girl by the arm and making her scrub the floor. The child’s tears and cries for forgiveness only sparked further angry outbursts.
If you hadn’t been born, that would have been better. Your father and I will place you in an orphanage if you ever do this again.
In fear, Victor froze. However, he realized in that instant that he would never permit this to happen again.
He remarked firmly as he emerged from the closet:
— Gather your belongings. Now.
Victor refused to listen to the woman’s attempts to defend herself. He threw her out of the house for good that day.
