Chapter 7 - The Unspoken Jealousy
Two days later, Lily was discharged from the hospital.
Though her collarbone was immobilised in a sling and she was still pale and easily tired, she was declared out of danger. Ethan carried her gently into her pink-painted bedroom, placing her on the plush duvet surrounded by her favorite stuffed animals.
“There you go, sweetheart,” Ethan whispered, kissing her forehead. “You’re safe at home now.”
Lily looked around the room nervously, her bright-blue eyes darting toward the open door. “Where is Grandma?”
Ethan’s expression hardened slightly. “Grandma is staying at a quiet guest house in town for a little while, baby. She needs some rest.”
Lily’s lip trembled. “I want Grandma. Grandma was showing me the birds on the ledge.”
Ethan froze, pulling back to look at his daughter. “What did you say? Grandma was showing you the birds?”
Lily nodded slowly, clutching her plush rabbit with her free hand. “We were watching the sparrows. Then Noah came up behind us. He was mad because I wouldn't share my colored pencils.”
Ethan felt an icy chill drop into his stomach. “Lily… think very carefully. What happened next?”
Before Lily could answer, the door opened, and Noah walked in carrying a tray with a juice box and a plate of sliced strawberries.
“I brought Lily her favorite snack, Dad,” Noah said with a sweet, bright smile, setting the tray on the nightstand.
Lily instantly clutched her rabbit tighter, her eyes dropping to the blanket, her mouth closing shut. She didn't look at Noah. She didn't reach for the juice box.
Ethan watched his daughter’s sudden, dramatic change in demeanor. The protective instinct that had driven his rage toward his mother now shifted slightly, a seed of horrifying doubt taking root in his mind.
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“Noah,” Ethan said, his voice dropping into a flat, neutral tone. “Did you have an argument with Lily about pencils before she fell?”
Noah didn't blink. He looked directly into his father’s eyes with absolute clarity. “No, Dad. I was downstairs playing video games until I heard her scream.”
