Nathan shook his head. “No, Lily. Whatever it is, we’re going to fix it. Together.”

Taking a deep breath, Lily began to explain. The story spilled out in halting words, punctuated by choked sobs. Their mother had been seeing someone new, a man who seemed charming at first but quickly showed a darker side. He’d become possessive and controlling, his temper flaring over the smallest things. It wasn’t long before his anger turned physical, and Lily had been caught in the crossfire.