“Daddy, don’t leave me with the new mom, she does bad things.” Hiding in the closet, the father FROZE at what he saw

“Sophia, I need to see if you have any bruises. Can you show me where Rachel hurt you?” he asked, his throat tight. Sophia, embarrassed, nodded and rolled up her dress sleeves.

Michael could barely hide his shock and horror when he saw finger marks on her arms. Some were yellowish, others fresh with purple bruises. “My God,” he whispered, his stomach churning at the sight.

“Sophia, are there any more bruises?” She nodded and lifted the hem of her dress, revealing her legs. There, too, were marks, some clearly resembling handprints. Michael closed his eyes for a moment, trying to manage the wave of guilt and anger crashing over him.

When he opened them, he saw Sophia’s frightened expression. “Dad, are you mad?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Not at you, sweetheart. I’m mad at Rachel for hurting you and at myself for not noticing sooner.”

He knelt before her, holding her hand. “This isn’t your fault, understand?” — “I know, Dad. Rachel’s really good at pretending. She’s always different when you’re around,” Sophia said with a wisdom beyond her years. Michael realized, recalling all the times he’d seen Rachel with Sophia.

She always seemed so kind and patient. How could he have been so blind? “Sophia, I need you to tell me everything Rachel does when I’m not here. Can you do that?” Sophia hesitated, and Michael saw fear in her eyes.

“When you go to work, she changes. She gets cold and says I’m a burden, that I ruined her life when she moved in.” Sophia took a deep breath, almost whispering. “And she says other things, too.” — “What else does she say?” Michael asked, trying to stay calm. “She says I’m stupid, that I’m good for nothing, and that you don’t even love me for real, that’s why you work so long.” 

Sophia’s voice shook, and Michael felt a pang in his chest. “That’s not true, Sophia. I love you more than anything in the world. You’re the most important thing to me.” Sophia nodded, but Michael could see Rachel’s words had left deep scars on his little girl’s heart. “When was the last time she hurt you?”

Sophia thought for a moment. “Yesterday, when you came home late from work. I was watching TV, waiting for you, but she got mad, grabbed my arm, and pushed me into my room. Told me to go to bed.”..