Then she touched the sleeve of her oversized blue dress.
"I'm supposed to wear this one today."
I felt my stomach turn.
"This dress?"
She nodded once.
"Who told you that?"
Before she could answer, Vanessa appeared carrying two cups of coffee.
"What are you two whispering about?"
Lily's shoulders tightened.
"Nothing."
Vanessa set the cups on the table.
She looked at the drawing.
"Oh, another princess outfit."
Then she turned toward Lily.
"Why don't you go clean your room?"
My granddaughter blinked.
"Can I stay with Grandma?"
Vanessa's smile disappeared.
"Your room needs attention."
"Butβ"
"Now, Lily."
The little girl immediately lowered her eyes.
She stood.
As she passed me, I reached out and gently took her hand.
"I'll come upstairs soon, sweetheart."
She looked toward Vanessa.
Then back at me.
"Okay."
I watched her walk away.
There was no shouting.
No dramatic punishment.
Nothing that would have alarmed someone standing across the room.
But I had seen the way Lily's body changed when her stepmother spoke.
And I knew something was wrong.
Vanessa sat across from me and began talking about Daniel.
I hadn't asked about him.
I hadn't mentioned money.
I hadn't accused anyone of neglecting Lily.
Yet within minutes, she was explaining why my son-in-law supposedly struggled to provide his daughter with everyday necessities.
"He's doing his best," she said. "But he doesn't always understand how quickly children outgrow things."
I looked at her.
"Daniel has a good job."
"Of course."
"And Lily is his only child."
Vanessa nodded.
"I know."
She sighed.
"He's just been overwhelmed."
I took a sip of coffee.
"Have you told him she needs new clothes?"
"Several times."
"And?"
"He says he'll get around to it."
Her expression became almost sorrowful.
"I don't want you thinking badly of him, Margaret."
I stared at her.
"Why would I?"
Vanessa hesitated.
Then she said, "Because you loved Claire so much, and I know Daniel sometimes worries that her family still blames him for moving on."
The words caught me off guard.
"Blames him?"
She lowered her eyes.
"Perhaps I shouldn't have said anything."
I leaned forward.
"Vanessa, what are you talking about?"
She shook her head.
"It's just a sensitive subject."
Then she smiled.
"Please don't mention this conversation to Daniel. He gets defensive when he thinks people are judging his parenting."
I sat back.