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…..

An ordinary graph notebook, with «Do Not Open» on the cover. Personal. She wasn’t going to read it, just stumbled upon it accidentally while taking out textbooks to help with homework.

The notebook fell out, opening on one page, and Mary involuntarily caught a few lines. He looked at Mom again with that scary look when he thought no one saw. Like she’s a thing he bought.

I’m scared, but Mom doesn’t believe me. What if he does something bad to her? Mary’s heart clenched. Does Sophie fear Victor that much? What if her daughter sees what she herself misses? That same evening she decided to talk to her husband.

«Victor,» she began when they were alone in the bedroom, «I think we need to talk about Sophie.» What’s with her? He looked up from the laptop. She.

She’s not very happy lately. Become withdrawn, anxious. Usual teen problems, Victor brushed off.

Puberty soon, hormones, all that. She’s only ten, Mary objected. It’s not puberty.

I think she. She faltered, not daring to say directly that Sophie fears him. What? Victor slammed the laptop and looked at her with sudden irritation.

Go on, finish. What about her? It’s hard for her to accept you, Mary finally said. Maybe we should? I don’t know, try to find common ground, spend more time together.

Victor stared at her so long and strangely that Mary shivered. So the problem is me? He said slowly. I’m a bad stepdad, huh? No, of course not, Mary hurried to assure him.

Just kids need time to get used to new people in their lives. Or, he interrupted, and metallic notes appeared in his voice. Or the problem is you let her manipulate you.

She’s jealous, that’s natural. But indulging her whims. Means undermining my authority…

These aren’t whims, Mary felt irritation growing inside. Sophie is smart, sensitive girl. If she feels uncomfortable, there are reasons.

Oh really? Victor stood up from the bed in one sharp motion. And what reasons do you think? Maybe you think I offend your precious daughter somehow? Insult her? Beat her? No, of course not. Mary stepped back, surprised by his sudden outburst.

I just want understanding in our family. For us all to be happy. Victor looked at her for a few seconds, then his face suddenly softened.

He sat back on the bed and rubbed his eyes. Sorry, he said wearily. Work is chaos now, nerves on edge.

I didn’t mean to snap. You’re right, need to pay more attention to Sophie. Maybe take her to that amusement park she mentioned this weekend? Mary felt relief, though deep down the worry didn’t vanish.

These mood swings of Victor’s. From anger to remorse. Were becoming more frequent and sharp.

Alive? Susan’s voice sounded anxious even through the phone speaker. Hasn’t shown up again? No. Mary shook her head, though her friend couldn’t see.

Two weeks passed, no signs. I think he realized he lost and decided to seek easier prey. Still be careful, Susan sighed.

Such types can be vengeful. And your police report? They took it, but without much enthusiasm, Mary winced, recalling the indifferent face of the duty officer. Said it’s hard to prove without clear evidence.

The glass with the drink, I stupidly poured it out right after Victor left. But the local officer promised to keep an eye on our apartment. Changed the locks? That same day.

And added an extra one with a chain. Good. And how’s Sophie? At the mention of her daughter, Mary involuntarily smiled.

Better than could be expected. You know, she’s so. Strong.

Adult beyond her years. Sometimes I think she handles this situation better than I do. That was true. After Victor’s departure, Sophie bloomed as if.

Her smile returned, her energy, her curiosity about life. She played piano for hours again, as if making up for lost time when she feared disturbing the new dad. And two weeks ago she even went to the state young pianists contest, where Mrs. Johnson still managed to register her and took third place. Kids are amazingly resilient, Susan agreed. And she has you.

That’s the main thing. After the conversation, Mary went out to the balcony to smoke. A bad habit that returned after all that happened…