Tears spilled down his cheeks.
"I promise."
He waited until his breathing steadied.
Then continued.
"Nothing can change how much I love you."
Sophie smiled weakly.
"I love you too."
Daniel pressed one hand against his eyes.
"I'll see you soon, okay?"
"Okay."
She handed the phone back to Mara.
Mara stepped into the hallway.
For a moment, neither adult spoke.
Then Daniel whispered, "I didn't know."
Mara looked toward the closed bedroom door.
"I believe you."
His voice broke.
"Mara, I didn't know."
"I heard you."
He began crying.
She closed her eyes.
For years, she had wanted Daniel to recognize what his mother's control cost their family.
Now he was discovering it in the most devastating way imaginable.
Part of Mara wanted to comfort him.
Another part remembered the nights she cried alone while he told her everything would be fine.
She took a breath.
"Daniel, I know you're hurting."
He was quiet.
"But tonight, Sophie needs stability."
He swallowed.
"Yes."
"Whatever happens next, please don't let your mother pull her into it."
He answered immediately.
"I won't."
Mara looked toward her daughter's room.
"And don't ask me to make this easier for you by pretending it isn't serious."
Daniel closed his eyes.
"I won't."
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then he whispered, "I'm sorry, Mara."
She felt tears gather.
There were so many things those words might mean.
She was not ready to decide.
"Goodnight, Daniel."
He swallowed.
"Goodnight."
The call ended.
Mara stood alone in the hallway.
For a long moment, she stared at the phone.
Then she returned to Sophie's bedroom.
Her daughter was holding the stuffed rabbit beneath her chin.
Mara sat beside her.
The little girl looked up.
"Mommy?"
"Yes?"
"Can people stop loving each other when they lie?"
Mara felt her heart tighten.
She thought carefully.
"Sometimes lies hurt trust."
Sophie nodded.
"And trust helps people feel safe together."