Song: The Scientist - Coldplay

Charlotte's laughter rang through the air as she swung her legs on the park bench, happily munching on her chocolate ice cream. Her cheeks were smudged with it, her tiny hands a sticky mess, but she looked happy.

For a little while, at least, she wasn't trapped in that house. I watched her, my heart aching.

"You're staring," she giggled, licking at the ice cream before it could drip onto her sweater.

I smiled, reaching over to wipe a bit of chocolate from her chin. "Just missed you, that's all."

She grinned, her small teeth coated in chocolate. "You should visit more."

The words hit harder than I expected. I should. I know I should. But every time I came back, it got harder to leave her behind. Harder to drive away, knowing she had to stay with him.

"I'm trying, bug," I said softly. "I promise."

Her smile wavered for just a second. Like she knew. Maybe she wasn't old enough to understand everything, but she understood enough. I hated that she had to.

She licked her ice cream again, kicking her legs. "Daniel's been mean lately," she said suddenly, voice quieter.

My stomach twisted. "Mean how?"

She shrugged, her fingers gripping the cone a little tighter. "He yells a lot. Slams doors. Mommy cries sometimes, but she says everything's okay."

My fingers curled into fists in my lap.

Everything was not okay.

I wanted to ask more, but I knew pushing her too hard would only scare her. Instead, I reached for her free hand, squeezing gently. "Listen to me, okay?" I kept my voice steady. "If Daniel ever hurts you if he ever scares you too much you call me. No matter what."

She nodded, but something in her expression made my chest tighten. She doesn't believe you can fix it.

And maybe she was right.

But I had to try.

I forced a smile. "Alright, enough serious talk. Want to go feed the ducks?"

Her eyes lit up. "Yes!"

I laughed as she hopped off the bench, grabbing my hand.

For now, I'd make her smile.

But as I followed her toward the pond, I couldn't shake the dread curling in my stomach.

Something had to change.

And soon.

(Words 373)