Her small body trembled with emotion, and her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. “She’s different when you’re not there, Daddy. She gets angry… she says things.”

A knot tightened in my stomach. Had I been so blinded by my own need for companionship that I had ignored the signs? I needed to understand what was happening, needed to ensure my daughter felt safe and loved. I stood up, holding her hand, and made a decision on the spot.

“Lily,” I said softly, “let’s go talk, just you and me.”