Lily turned seven in April, and with her birthday came an awareness that surprised Emma.
They were in the kitchen making cupcakes for Lily's class party when Lily asked a question out of nowhere.
"Mama, why do people sometimes hurt the people they love?"
Emma's hands stopped mid-stir. "What made you ask that, baby?"
"There is a girl in my class named Sophie. She said her mama had to leave her daddy because he was mean. And Sophie said sometimes people who are supposed to love you hurt you instead." Lily looked up at Emma with serious eyes. "Why would someone do that?"
Emma took a breath. She had known these conversations would come eventually. Had talked with Doctor Chen about how to handle them when Lily was old enough to understand.
