Chapter 2: The Weight of a Secret
For a long moment, the only sound in the kitchen was the hum of the stainless steel refrigerator. Eleanor froze in the doorway, her hands clutching the shimmering fabric of her gown.
Arthur looked from his weeping daughter to his terrified wife. A heavy knot formed in his chest. Why were they acting like he was a threat? He prided himself on being a loving father and a devoted husband. The sheer panic in Eleanor’s eyes was like a physical blow.
"Eleanor," Arthur said, his voice low and steady. "What is going on? Why is she crying on the floor, and why is she terrified to speak to me?"
Eleanor swallowed hard, stepping out of the shadows. The gold dress caught the dim light, making her look almost ethereal, but her posture was defensive. "Arthur, please don't be angry," she pleaded, her voice a breathless whisper.
"Angry?" Arthur stood up, keeping one hand on Lily's shoulder to comfort her. "I'm not angry. I'm worried. Lily says you told her to hide. Hide from what? From me?"
"Not from you, sweetheart," Eleanor said quickly, rushing forward and kneeling beside Lily. She brushed a blonde curl away from the little girl's tear-stained face. "From your rule, Arthur. We were hiding from your rule."
Arthur stepped back, utterly bewildered. "My rule?"
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Lily sniffled, looking up at her father with large, apprehensive eyes. She pointed a small, shaking finger toward the tall, dark gray pantry doors at the far end of the kitchen.
"In there," Lily whispered.
