But I didn’t call him back.
I didn’t apologize.
And I didn’t ask anyone to help me find a way to save my marriage.
My marriage was no longer the thing I needed to save.
My daughter was.
The following weeks were difficult.
My father remained in the hospital for several days before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility. His recovery would take time, and the doctors warned us that he might experience headaches and fatigue for months.
My daughter needed regular medical appointments, careful wound care, and physical therapy.
She also began meeting with a child therapist experienced in helping children recover from abuse.
At first, she barely spoke.
She startled whenever someone raised their voice. She apologized when she spilled water. She asked permission before getting out of bed.
The first time her therapist invited her to draw anything she wanted, she drew a little girl sitting at a desk.
