Claire took a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her blouse. “I know how it looked yesterday, and I’m sorry for how I handled it,” she began. “Honestly, it was meant to be a fun thing. A friend of mine is a hairstylist in training and needed some practice. She offered to do a playful cut for Lily, just something different.”

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed. “And you didn’t think to ask Lily how she felt about it?”

Claire winced, guilt washing over her features. “I did, and she seemed excited about getting a ‘grown-up’ haircut, but I didn’t realize how drastic it would be until it was too late. I should have been more cautious.”