My husband pushed me down the stairs, and as I lay shattered at the bottom, my mother-in-law called my father and said, “Come get your worthless daughter and take her back.” Dad gave her only one warning: “If she has so much as a scratch, your family will answer for it.” They laughed at him because they had absolutely no idea who my father truly was.

I had never found ordinary procedure so precious.

After they left, Dad stood by the window while I struggled to find a comfortable position.

The city outside was dotted with traffic lights.

Somewhere, Lily was sleeping without knowing that her mother had spent the night in a hospital.

“Dad,” I whispered, “what if she asks for me and they tell her I don’t love her?”

He returned to the chair.

“Then someday we’ll tell her the truth patiently.