What Lily Told Him Later
Leonard took Lily home early that day.
She sat on his lap during the drive, still sniffling, but calmer now. She held his hand the whole way.
“Daddy?” she whispered.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Was it my fault?”
The question nearly broke him.
“No,” he said immediately, voice thick. “Absolutely not. Grown-ups are supposed to protect you. She didn’t. But I did. And I always will.”
Lily leaned her head against his chest.
“I knew you would come,” she murmured softly.
And in that moment, Leonard realized something—
He hadn’t just arrived early. He hadn’t just surprised her.
He had shown up exactly when she needed him most.
Children’s Books
