"You can tell her an adult made a dangerous choice, and other adults are taking steps to keep her safe."
For several seconds, Daniel considered the words.
Then nodded.
"You're right."
Emily returned home on the evening of the attack.
Her father met her outside.
He didn't allow her to discover the broken window unexpectedly.
Instead, he explained what happened in simple, accurate language.
Someone entered the yard without permission and damaged the window.
Nobody had been inside the room.
The police had been called.
And the house was being secured.
Emily stared at him.
"Why would somebody do that?"
Daniel took a slow breath.
"She was angry at someone else and made a terrible decision."
The girl frowned.
"Someone else?"
"Mr. Bennett."
Emily's eyes widened.
"Marcus?"
Daniel nodded.
"She thought this was his house."
For several seconds, Emily was silent.
Then she asked a question that almost broke her father's heart.
"Would it have been okay if it really was his house?"
Daniel shook his head immediately.
"No, sweetheart. It wouldn't have been okay anywhere."
She nodded slowly.
He placed an arm around her shoulders.
For a moment, she leaned against him.
Then whispered.
"Can I still sleep in my room?"
Daniel looked toward the hallway.
He explained that the room needed to be cleaned and repaired before it would be safe to use.
She could sleep in the guest room in the meantime.
Emily seemed disappointed.
Then asked whether her telescope was damaged.
Daniel smiled gently.
"No. It's safe."
She nodded.
"Good."
For a moment, her ordinary concern about the telescope reassured him.
But he knew the emotional effects of the incident might take longer to fade than the physical damage.
The following week, Emily asked Marcus to visit.
He came over after work carrying a small box.
Daniel opened the door.
"What's that?"
Marcus smiled faintly.
"A replacement star chart."
Daniel looked surprised.
Marcus explained that he'd noticed one of Emily's posters had been damaged by the broken glass and cleanup.
He'd ordered a new one from the science center.
Daniel's expression softened.
"She's going to love that."
Emily appeared in the hallway.
When she saw Marcus, she smiled.
"Mr. Fix-It!"
He grinned.
"Hey, astronomer."
She looked toward the box.
"What's that?"
He handed it to her.
She opened it carefully.
Inside was a beautifully printed chart showing constellations visible from North Carolina during different seasons.
Her eyes widened.
"That's amazing!"
Marcus smiled.
"Thought you could use it when your room's ready again."
For a moment, she looked toward the hallway leading to the damaged bedroom.
Then back at Marcus.
"Are you okay?"
The question surprised him.
He had come to reassure her.