Inside, Sophie was still on her knees, scrubbing the floor, while Janet barked orders. Mark’s presence went unnoticed at first, but the moment he saw Sophie’s red, blistered hands, rage and heartbreak filled his chest. He couldn’t fathom what he was witnessing.

“Sophie,” Mark called softly, his voice breaking the tension in the room. Sophie looked up, eyes widening in disbelief. “Daddy?” she whispered, the word barely escaping her lips.

Janet spun around, shock and then feigned delight washing over her face. “Mark! You’re home early!” she exclaimed, trying to mask her panic with a forced smile.