Life as a single dad to my four-year-old daughter, Chloe, has had its challenges. Meeting Lily felt like a turning point. She was warm, kind, and amazing with Chloe. So, I decided to bring Chloe along for a visit to Lily’s house.
Everything seemed fine at first. Chloe was excited, and Lily offered to play a game with her while I helped in the kitchen. But then Chloe came back, her face pale and her voice trembling. “Daddy, we have to go,” she whispered. “There are heads in her closet. Real heads.”
I didn’t hesitate. I grabbed Chloe and left. After dropping her off at my mom’s, I returned to Lily’s house, my heart racing as I opened the closet door. Inside, I found four rubber Halloween masks.
Relief flooded through me, but I also felt guilty for doubting Lily. When she asked why I’d gone through her closet, I explained, “I had to be sure.” Chloe’s fear had been real, even if it was based on a misunderstanding. Now, I had to find a way to explain it to her.
