“Emily, do you think Daddy will make her go away?” Michael asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Emily hesitated. “I don’t know, Mikey. But I think Daddy believes us now. That’s a start.”

They both jumped slightly as they heard a gentle knock on the door. It opened slowly, revealing their father. Richard’s face was a mixture of weariness and sadness, but also a new resolve. He stepped inside and sat down on the edge of Emily’s bed, pulling both children into a comforting embrace.