Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: The Bathroom Door
Vanessa told Lily they were going to fix her hair.The bathroom near the east corridor was quiet, away from the dressing rooms and the grand hall. No guests came that way unless they knew the manor well.“Go inside,” Vanessa said.Lily hesitated. “Why?”“Because your face is blotchy from crying. Wash it.”Lily stepped inside.The room smelled of lavender soap. A small window let in a thin line of sunlight.Vanessa stood in the doorway.“You need to listen carefully,” she said. “Your father is starting a new life today. A real life. He deserves happiness.”“I make Daddy happy,” Lily whispered.Vanessa’s mouth tightened.“You remind him of grief.”Lily hugged her flower basket. “That’s not true.”“After today, things will change. You’ll go somewhere with teachers and other children. You’ll have your own room. Your father and I will visit when we can.”“No,” Lily cried. “Daddy wouldn’t send me away.”“He will when I explain what’s best.”Lily tried to run past her.Vanessa caught the door and pulled it shut.The lock clicked.At first, Lily did not understand.Then she heard the key turn from the outside.“Please,” Lily cried. “Please don’t.”Vanessa’s voice came through the door.“You’ll come out after the ceremony. By then, it will be done.”Lily pounded on the door with her small fist.“Daddy!”Vanessa walked away.The hallway swallowed the sound of her heels.Inside the bathroom, Lily slid to the floor and cried into her flower basket.Outside, the wedding music began.
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