Her father looked at the floor.
Elena said quietly:
“Stop.”
Chloe closed the journal.
“No.”
The word was calm.
“For fifteen years, he protected you.”
Elena stared at her.
“He could have told us everything.”
“I had reasons.”
“He didn’t know your reasons.”
“I tried to contact you.”
Chloe picked up the returned envelopes.
“Then explain these.”
Elena hesitated.
“I moved.”
Their father finally spoke.
His voice was quiet.
“My address never changed.”
Elena turned.
He looked directly at her.
“The house phone number stayed the same until eight years ago.”
Silence.
“When we disconnected it, I sent you my cell number.”
Elena’s face tightened.
“I didn’t get it.”
“I sent it certified.”
Julian looked at her.
