ulian recoiled, terrified. “Where does it hurt?” “My back… it’s been hurting for days. Mom says it was an accident, but I can’t lie here.”

Julian felt his stomach clench. He knelt down to look her in the eyes. “You can tell me the truth, Lily. I’m here.” The little girl breathed heavily. “Mom said that if I told you… she’d tell everyone I was lying. She said you’d believe her because grown-ups always stick together.”

Julian felt a shiver run down his spine. He took her small hands in his own. “I believe you   …   always. Tell me what happened.”

Lily stared at the rug, searching for the right words. “It was Tuesday. He got angry because I didn’t want to eat broccoli. He sent me to my room. Then he came upstairs shouting… grabbed my arm and pushed me. My back hit the metal handle of the closet door. It hurt like hell.”

Julian gritted his teeth until they hurt, but his voice remained reassuring. “Did he take you to the doctor?” “No. He went to the pharmacy. He said I fell while playing. He put some cream and bandages on… he wrapped them tightly. He told me not to take them off.”

“Can I look?” Julian asked, his chest tight. Lily nodded. She turned and lifted the oversized t-shirt. Julian froze. The bandages were yellowed and dirty. The skin, speckled with purple and black bruises, revealed visible contusions. A strong smell of infection emanated from the dressing.

When did he last change it for you? — Wednesday… I think. He told me to leave it with you until you get back so you wouldn’t see anything unpleasant.

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