Dr. Harris finished the examination quicker than expected. He explained that Lily had a small cavity that needed attention soon, but it wasn’t an emergency. As we prepared to leave, he shook my hand firmly and said quietly, “Make sure you take good care of her.”
His eyes lingered on Daniel just a moment too long.
In the parking lot, Daniel walked ahead, already checking his phone. Lily stayed close to my side, her small fingers holding mine a little tighter than usual.
Right before we reached the car, Daniel turned and pulled me into a quick hug — the kind he always gave when he wanted to appear like the perfect husband. While his arms were around me, I felt him slip a small folded piece of paper into my coat pocket.
He stepped back with a casual smile. “Love you.”
The ride home was silent. Lily stared out the window while Daniel hummed softly to the music on the radio.
