Anniversary of a Lie

I slammed the door behind me and shut myself in the guest room, leaving Harvey outside with nowhere to vent his anger.

So, this was what it felt like to refuse reason, throw words, and walk away. It felt almost satisfying.

It wasn't as if we had never fought before, but it usually ended with him slamming the door. By then, I always knew it meant he wouldn't bend and that I couldn't convince him.

My pillow was soaked as I broke down in aggrieved tears. Suddenly, a knock came from the door. I quickly wiped my face and smoothed my hair to make myself look less wretched.

Cassie's little girl was standing at the door, holding out a cup of milk. "Have some milk, Mrs. Clarke."

She was such a sweet, obedient child with eyes that seemed to hold stars. I looked behind her and saw that not far away, Harvey was smiling as he watched us. "Honey, you forgot your milk."

I had always struggled with getting quality sleep. The doctor said a cup of warm milk before bed would help, so fresh milk was delivered to our door every day. The woman who took my orders once told me, almost enviously, that my husband took really good care of me.

Every night, he'd warm the milk himself. Even if he couldn't make it home in time because of a business dinner, he'd text to remind me and demand a photo of an empty cup as proof.

I briefly drifted away and started wondering if I was too sensitive. But when I looked into the little girl's eyes, so much like the ones of the woman in the photos Harvey kept hidden in his drawer, I could only manage a bitter laugh.

"Just take it, honey. Munchkin's arms must be tired from holding it out for so long."

Munchkin, huh? The way it rolled off his tongue sounded so natural.

"It's alright. Children need to drink more milk to help with their growth, so tell her to drink it," I said, smiling before turning around to close the door.

Then, the strength drained out of me as I slid down against the door and collapsed onto the floor.

Through the door, I could hear Harvey's low, soothing voice comforting the child. "It's okay, munchkin. Your new mom will love you soon. I'll never send you back."

A crushing pressure kept building in my chest until I could barely breathe.

Then, the gentle ping of a message snapped me back.

[There's nothing wrong with her husband. He treated her well and took on all the house chores himself. Cassie didn't even need to work and spent her days having fun. He was the one in charge of raising the kid. If I were to point out a flaw, it's only that he isn't as rich or as promising as Harvey.]

I was terrified that my prejudice might push the little girl back to a dangerous father, so I had someone look into it. Turns out, that man was a good father and nothing like Harvey claimed.