He handed it to her.
She smiled faintly.
"Thank you."
He kissed her forehead.
Then embraced her.
She held on longer than usual.
For a moment, he thought about canceling the trip.
He could ask someone else to handle the meetings.
But the arrangements had been made.
The clients were expecting him.
And Vanessa stood nearby smiling reassuringly.
"We'll have a wonderful girls' week," she said.
Daniel looked toward her.
"You sure?"
Vanessa laughed.
"Of course."
She slipped one arm around Amelia's shoulders.
The little girl became still.
Daniel noticed.
For a fraction of a second, he wondered why.
Then Vanessa leaned forward and kissed him.
"Go. We'll be fine."
He looked toward Amelia.
She smiled because she knew he wanted to see it.
He returned the smile.
Then climbed into his car.
As he drove away, Amelia watched until the vehicle disappeared.
Vanessa's hand remained on her shoulder.
The moment the car turned the corner, the woman's fingers tightened.
"Inside."
Amelia looked up.
"Can I wave to Daddy one more time?"
Vanessa's face hardened.
"He's gone."
The little girl lowered her eyes.
"Okay."
Then Vanessa pushed her gently but firmly toward the front door.
The house closed behind them.
And Amelia's terrible two days began.
The first punishment came at breakfast.
Amelia poured cereal into a bowl.
Vanessa entered the kitchen and stopped.
"Who told you to eat that?"
The child looked up.
"I always have cereal before school."
Vanessa crossed her arms.
"Did you ask?"
Amelia hesitated.
"No."
"Then put it away."
The little girl stared at the bowl.
"But I'm hungry."
Vanessa stepped closer.
"And I'm tired of children who think they can do whatever they want."
Amelia looked frightened.
"I'm sorry."
"Upstairs. Get dressed."
The child obeyed.
At school, she ate lunch normally.
But when she returned home, Vanessa announced that snacks were no longer allowed.
Amelia asked whether she could have dinner.
Vanessa told her she would be served when she learned to obey.