«Daddy, don’t leave me with the new mom, she comes to do bad things. Hidden in the closet, the father FROZE from what he saw…

Emily nodded, clutching her bear. «And I’ll pretend everything is fine, even if I’m scared.» — «Exactly,» David confirmed, stroking her head. «I know it’s hard, but you need to act as naturally as possible. If Olivia suspects something, the whole plan will fall apart.» — «I’ll try, Dad,» Emily promised. «But what if she tries to hurt me before you can get out of the closet?» David’s heart tightened. «I’ll be very attentive.

At the first sign of danger, I’ll come out. And remember, if you feel any threat, shout the code word, and I’ll come right away.» — «Strawberry ice cream,» Emily recalled the code they had chosen. — «Exactly,» David smiled. «Strawberry ice cream. And remember, no matter what happens, I’m very proud of you.

You’re the bravest girl in the world.» Emily snuggled up to him, finding comfort in his embrace. «I love you, Dad.» — «And I love you, my little brave one,» David replied, kissing her head.

In the morning, David woke up before dawn. His stomach churned with nervousness. He quietly dressed and prepared, thinking about the challenge ahead. When he came to wake Emily, she was already sitting on the bed with wide eyes, ready for the day. «Are you ready, dear?» David asked in a quiet voice….

Emily nodded, but fear was evident in her eyes. «I’m ready, Dad.» They had breakfast in tense silence. As soon as David finished washing the dishes, the doorbell rang. «That’s probably Olivia,» he said, wiping his hands.

He knelt in front of Emily, looked into her eyes, and said: «Remember, act normal. I’ll leave in a few minutes, but I’ll always be nearby.» — «Okay,» Emily whispered.

David opened the door, and there stood Olivia with a nervous smile on her face. «Hi, darling,» she said in a soft tone. «Thanks for letting me come.» David nodded, forcing himself to smile. «Come in, please, I’m about to leave for work.» Olivia entered the apartment, her eyes quickly scanning the room as if seeing it for the first time.

When she saw Emily sitting at the table, her smile widened. «Emily, dear, I’ve missed you so much.» Emily muttered a greeting, not lifting her gaze from her plate. David noticed his daughter becoming more withdrawn, but Olivia seemed not to notice. «I need to go,» David announced, grabbing his bag. «I’ll be back in the evening, and we can talk.» Olivia responded enthusiastically: «Of course, have a good day at work.» David kissed Emily on the forehead and whispered in her ear: «Remember, I’ll always be nearby.»

With a last look at his daughter, David left, carefully closing the door without fully locking it, and waited a few minutes in the hallway. After some time, he opened the door again and silently entered the apartment.

He knew Olivia liked to take a morning shower, which took at least half an hour, so he headed to Emily’s room and hid in the closet, leaving the door slightly ajar to hear and see everything happening.

The minutes dragged on slowly. David heard Olivia’s and Emily’s voices from afar. The conversations sounded muffled; sometimes he heard Emily’s laughter, but her voice was tense, which Olivia seemed not to notice. David’s legs went numb, but he endured, holding his breath and paying attention to every sound. Finally, he heard Olivia approaching Emily. «What do you want to do today, dear? We can play with your dolls.»

Emily quietly replied: «How about watching a cartoon?» Olivia agreed and went to the kitchen to make tea…