Being a single dad to my four-year-old daughter, Chloe, has been a journey. When I met Lily, it felt like things were finally falling into place. She was kind, loving, and great with Chloe. So, I decided to bring Chloe along for a visit to Lily’s house.
At first, everything was perfect. Chloe was excited, and Lily suggested they play a game while I helped with dinner. But then Chloe came back, her face pale and her voice shaking. “Daddy, we have to go,” she whispered. “There are heads in her closet. Real heads.”
I didn’t think twice. I picked Chloe up and left. After dropping her off at my mom’s, I returned to Lily’s house, my hands trembling as I opened the closet door. Inside, I found four rubber Halloween masks.
Relief washed over me, but I also felt guilty for doubting Lily. When she asked why I’d gone through her closet, I said, “I had to be sure.” Chloe’s fear had been real, even if it was unfounded. Now, I had to figure out how to explain it to her.
