“Did I do something?”
The question broke my heart.
“No.”
Stephen finally spoke.
His voice sounded strained.
“No, Lily. You didn’t do anything.”
That was the first time he’d ever said her name in front of her.
Something about it made him look even more shaken.
Lily hesitated, then walked toward the playroom.
I waited until she disappeared around the corner.
Then I turned on Stephen.
“Explain.”
He bent and picked up the damaged present.
His hands were trembling.
“I can’t do this.”
“What?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Stephen.”
“I shouldn’t have come.”
I stared at him.
“Five minutes ago you were standing on my porch carrying a present.”
“I know.”
“You’ve been talking about meeting Lily for months.”
“I know.”
“So what happened?”
He looked toward the hallway where Lily had disappeared.
“Her face.”
I felt anger ignite underneath my confusion.
“What about her face?”
He immediately shook his head.
“Nothing. There’s nothing wrong with her.”
