Mom, don’t drink from that glass! The new dad PUT SOMETHING IN IT. Mary was in shock hearing these words from her daughter and decided to SWITCH the glasses. What she saw made her hair STAND ON END…..

«And why does he always check your phone when you leave the room?» Sophie asked. «And why does he lock his laptop with a password, and when you approach, immediately closes it?» Everyone has a right to personal space, Mary replied, though inside worry stirred again. She had indeed noticed Victor sometimes glancing at her phone screen when he thought she wasn’t looking.

But isn’t that natural? A bit of jealousy at the start of a relationship is normal. Sophie shook her head but didn’t argue. Mary saw her daughter wasn’t convinced but attributed it to a child’s natural jealousy of the new person taking a place in her mother’s heart.

The first alarm bells rang about three months after the wedding. Victor started getting irritated over trifles. Dinner not hot enough, Sophie playing piano too loud, neighbors upstairs stomping like elephants.

«You’re just tired,» she said, massaging his shoulders. «You have a tough project now.» «Yeah, probably,» he agreed, relaxing under her hands.

«Sorry for snapping. Sometimes it seems everyone around is deliberately doing everything to drive me crazy.» Then Mary noticed some of her things weren’t where she left them.

Her favorite scarf, usually hanging on the hook in the hallway, suddenly in the closet. The book she was reading before bed moved from the nightstand to the shelf. Trifles, but they caused a strange feeling of disorientation…

«Victor, did you move my things?» she asked one day. «What nonsense,» he frowned. «Why would I? You just forget.

Where you put things? It happens to everyone, especially with age.» I’m only 43, Mary objected, feeling a sting of offense. Not that old.

Of course, dear, he hugged her conciliatorily. You’re the youngest and most beautiful to me. I was just joking.»

But the joke didn’t seem funny to Mary. One evening, returning from school, she caught Victor looking through papers from her work folder. «What are you doing?» she asked, freezing in the doorway.

Oh, Mary, he seemed not embarrassed at all. Looking for the insurance policy, wanted to check when we need to renew. Didn’t find it, by the way.

It’s in the top drawer of the dresser, where it always is, Mary said slowly. «And these are my work documents, nothing about insurance there. Right?»

Right? He smiled carelessly.

«Sorry, mixed up.» Head not working after a whole day of meetings. He carelessly folded the papers back into the folder, and Mary noticed the documents weren’t in the order she usually kept them.

Why did Victor need her work notes? And why didn’t he ask where the insurance was, but searched himself? That evening she couldn’t sleep for a long time, listening to her husband’s even breathing beside her. Something was subtly changing in their relationship, and Mary couldn’t understand what was wrong. Maybe the honeymoon was just over, and now ordinary everyday life was beginning, with all its difficulties? Sophie has outstanding musical abilities, said Mrs. Johnson, the piano teacher.

«I’d recommend sending her to the state young pianists contest.» Mary beamed with pride. Sophie had been studying music since 7, and Alex always said she had perfect pitch, like his grandmother who once sang in a folk choir.

That’s wonderful. When’s the contest? In three weeks, at the state center. Of course, she’ll need to practice a lot, maybe take a few extra lessons.

And the trip will take two days. Contest, then winners’ concert. «I don’t think that’s a good idea,» Victor’s voice sounded, who until then stood silently aside, examining diplomas on the music school walls…

Mary turned to her husband in surprise. «Why? It’s such an opportunity for Sophie. First, extra expenses,» Victor said calmly.

Private lessons, hotel stay, transport. Second, Sophie’s school performance has been slipping lately. Remember the C in math this quarter? A C.

That’s not slipping, Mary objected. Sophie studies well, just the test was tough. So I’m against it, Victor said in a tone as if the matter was closed.

Mrs. Johnson looked from Victor to Mary in surprise, clearly not understanding why the parents weren’t thrilled at the chance to showcase their daughter’s talent. «We’ll think about it,» Mary said hastily, feeling her cheeks burn with awkwardness. «I’ll talk at home with Sophie, and… We have nothing to think about,» Victor cut off.

Sophie is too young for such serious events. Thank you for the offer, but we have to decline. In the car on the way home, Mary couldn’t hold back.

«Why did you do that without consulting me? Why consult if it’s obvious? He didn’t even turn his head, keeping his eyes on the road. Sophie isn’t ready for such stress. But it’s not for you to decide! Mary exclaimed.

You’re not even her real father. Not a muscle twitched on Victor’s face, only his fingers gripped the steering wheel tighter. So that’s how it is! Means when help with homework or driving to school is needed, I’m good enough for the father’s role, but when it comes to important decisions… Not anymore? That’s not what I meant, Mary tried to compose herself.

Just. We needed to discuss first, not decide like that in front of the teacher. I’m just caring for Sophie, his voice softened…