I froze. That glare – harsh and distant – was the same one my late husband used to give before he hurt me.
Olivia forced a smile, her voice trembling. “It’s nothing, Mom… maybe he’s just tired.” But I saw the truth. A dark bruise marked her wrist – fresh and painful.
2. Three A.M. — The Sound of Water
That night, I woke to the sound of running water. It was past three in the morning.
“Why would Daniel be showering now?” I wondered.
But it wasn’t a steady stream – it came in bursts, mixed with soft sobs. I walked closer and peered through the small crack of the bathroom door.
My heart stopped.
Olivia was trembling, trying to rinse the bruises on her arms and shoulders. Daniel stood beside her, expressionless, a wet towel in his hand.
“You think I didn’t hear you talking earlier?” he said.
“No… it was just Mom. I asked if she wanted something to eat.”
“Liar!” SLAP!
I covered my mouth to silence my scream. My son – the boy I had once cradled and protected – had become the man who inflicted the same cruelty his father once did.
3. Morning of Pretend Smiles
At breakfast, I asked gently, “Olivia, what occured to your hand?”
She hesitated. “Ah… I bumped into the door, Mom. It’s nothing.”
Daniel walked in, wrapped his arm around her, and forced a grin. “See, Mom? My wife’s just clumsy.”
Olivia smiled faintly, but her eyes betrayed her and filled with quiet fear. I recognized that look. It was the same one I used to wear.
4. A Mother’s Choice
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