Evidence
Wednesday night, Michael called again. “I’ll be home tomorrow. The house better be spotless especially my study. And your behavior this trip was not perfect. We’ll talk when I return.”
After he hung up, Emily shook violently. A misplaced receipt? A slow answer? Yesterday she’d knocked over a pen in his study. He would know. He always knew.
Sophia found her in the kitchen. “Mom, let’s make hot cocoa.”
Emily looked at her daughter’s tear-bright eyes. “That sounds nice.”
As they stirred, Sophia’s voice trembled. “Mom… if something happens, will you tell me? Don’t carry it alone.”
Emily hugged her. “It’s okay. Everything’s fine. Mom is happy.” But even to her own ears the words sounded hollow.
Later that night, in her room, Sophia created a new folder on her phone. She titled it: EVIDENCE.
