Emily didn’t move.
Daiel took a step to the side.
Without pushing.
Without firing.
It was just taking up space.
— Emily, are you okay?
Emily looked at Maria, as if she were searching for a reassuring face.
And in that slight movement, Maria noticed purple marks on her arms.
Like fingers.
Like repeated embraces.
Maria took a deep breath.
— Mr. Miller, we need to speak to your daughter.
Thomas raised his hands, as if calmness were his shield.
— Officers, that’s ridiculous.
“That’s not ridiculous,” replied Daiel.
Thomas tried to stand in front of the ladder.
Maria moved forward so that Emily could see her up close.
—Hi, Emily.
Emily hugged the rabbit tightly.
-Good morning…
—Can you come with me for a second?
Emily hesitated.
He looked at his father.
Thomas leaned slightly forward, smiling without showing his teeth.
—No need, my dear.
That phrase, that false sweetness, decided everything.
Because Emily recoiled, as if this gentleness were more painful than a scream.
Maria took two steps.
