Cleaning an adult woman’s shoes.
The anger came so quickly he had to grip the edge of the table.
His daughter noticed.
“Are you mad?”
He immediately released the table.
“Not at you.”
She looked down.
“She said you would be.”
“Why?”
“Because I complain.”
The father wanted to go upstairs.
Wanted to open that bedroom door.
Wanted answers.
Instead he remained.
His daughter needed him more than his anger did.
“What did she say would happen if you told me?”
The girl took a long time.
Then:
“She said you already think I’m difficult.”
The father stopped breathing.
“Why would she say that?”
“Because you do.”
The answer came without accusation.
That made it worse.
“I don't think you're difficult.”
She looked at him.
“You say it.”
“When?”
“When you talk to her.”
The father searched memory.
Then found it.
Weeks earlier.
His wife had said:
“She’s been difficult all morning.”
He had replied:
“She has been difficult lately.”
Another time:
“I don't know what’s gotten into her.”
Another:
“Maybe it’s a phase.”
His daughter had been within earshot.
He had not been speaking to her.
He had been speaking about her.
That was enough.
He looked toward her.
“I’m sorry.”
She blinked.
“For what?”
“For saying things about you without asking you what was happening.”
She stared.
He continued.
“I thought I was supporting the adult who was with you when I wasn't home.”
The girl whispered:
“She said that.”
“What?”
“She said you would always believe her because she’s your wife.”
The father felt his chest tighten again.
“What else did she say?”
His daughter looked upstairs.
Then back.
“She said if I made trouble, you might send me somewhere.”
His body went completely still.
“Where?”
The girl’s eyes filled.
“A school.”
“What school?”
“I don't know.”
“Boarding school?”
She nodded.
His heart began pounding.
“Did she show you anything?”
“Pictures.”
“Of a school?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“On her computer.”
“When?”
“Last week.”
The father stood so quickly the chair scraped backward.
His daughter flinched.
He stopped.
“Sorry.”
She nodded.
He sat again.
“What did she tell you?”
“She said some kids live there when they can't follow rules at home.”