Marian continued whispering softly to Isabella, rocking her gently as the little girl’s sobs slowly began to quiet.
Her voice was low and soothing, words meant only for Isabella’s ears.
“You are safe now… Daddy is here… I’m here… no one is mad at you… you did nothing wrong…”
Daniel could see Marian’s lips moving, but he couldn’t hear what she was saying. It didn’t matter. Whatever it was, Isabella’s small body gradually stopped shaking so violently. Her breathing evened out in hiccupped waves, and she clung to Marian’s shirt like she was afraid to let go.
Daniel stayed beside them, one hand resting protectively on Isabella’s back.
Only then did he finally look up.
And he saw his mother.
Katie was standing quietly near the window, her purse hanging loosely from her shoulder, her face
