A Child’s Hurt, A Mother’s Regret

 

Kelly

Harper was avoiding me. It wasn’t like the usual tantrums when she was upset over bedtime or not getting a second helping with ice cream. This was different. It had been days now, long enough for the silence to settle like a weight in my chest.  

She wouldn’t sit next to me at breakfast. Wouldn’t let me brush her hair. Wouldn’t even look me in the eyes when I spoke to her. But she clung to Adrian.  

If Adrian walked into a room, she was at his side in seconds, grabbing his hand, leaning against him, giggling at every little thing he said....