Unbeknownst to both Sophie and Janet, Sophie’s father, Michael, was on a flight back from his business trip earlier than expected. He had been away for several weeks, working tirelessly to provide for his family, unaware of the nightmare unfolding in his absence. Something in his gut told him to return—a father’s intuition, perhaps.

As the taxi pulled up outside the house, Michael noticed the neglected garden, weeds crawling over the once-tidy flowerbeds his late wife had lovingly tended. His heart skipped a beat, sensing something amiss. He entered his home quietly, hoping to surprise his family.

What he saw next shattered his heart. There, in the hallway, was Sophie, slumped on the floor, her small hands red and bleeding, her eyes swollen with unshed tears. Janet stood over her, barking orders with no compassion. The scene played out like a nightmare, and rage built up inside Michael like a storm.

“Sophie!” he called, his voice breaking the tense atmosphere. Both Sophie and Janet turned, shock evident on their faces. Sophie’s eyes widened in relief and fear, while Janet’s composure faltered.

“D-Daddy!” Sophie’s voice trembled as she scrambled to her feet, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the joy of seeing her father.

Michael’s gaze was steely as he confronted Janet. “What is going on here? Why is Sophie doing all this work? I trusted you to take care of her, not treat her like a maid!”

Janet stammered, attempting to regain her composure. “Michael, you don’t understand—she needs discipline. She’s lazy and—”

“Enough!” Michael cut her off, his voice firm. “This is not discipline. This is abuse. Sophie is a child, not your servant.”

Sophie clung to her father, feeling the warmth and safety she had missed in his absence. Michael knelt beside her, taking her hands gently, wincing at the sight of her injuries. “Oh, my sweet girl, I’m so sorry.”

Janet attempted to argue, but Michael was resolute. “Pack your things, Janet. I want you out of this house by tonight.”

Janet’s face turned crimson with anger and embarrassment, but she knew better than to argue further. She left the room, muttering under her breath, as Michael turned his full attention to Sophie.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, sweetheart,” he said softly, lifting her into his arms. Sophie, feeling lighter than she had in years, nodded and buried her face in her father’s shoulder, her tears finally flowing freely.

As Michael tended to Sophie’s wounds, he realized how blind he’d been, consumed by work and grief. But now, things would be different. He promised Sophie that she would never have to suffer again, vowing to be the father she deserved.

That evening, as the sun set over their small suburban house, Sophie and Michael sat together, planning a brighter future. Sophie’s pain began to fade, replaced by hope and the warmth of her father’s love. The oppressive shadow of Janet’s presence had lifted, and with it, Sophie’s spirit soared, ready to embrace the childhood she thought she’d lost forever.