“Enough!” David’s voice was firm and unwavering. He lifted Sophie into his arms, feeling how light and fragile she was. “You’ve gone too far, Janet. This isn’t discipline; it’s abuse.”

Sophie clung to her father, burying her face in his shoulder. For the first time in a long while, she felt safe. David carried her to the couch, wrapping her in a warm blanket, and called for the family doctor to check her injuries.

Over the next few days, David took leave from work, dedicating all his time to Sophie’s recovery. They spent hours drawing, reading, and laughing, slowly piecing back together the childhood she had missed. Meanwhile, Janet’s facade crumbled as the truth came to light, and the authorities intervened.