I followed him into the kitchen.
He was rinsing plates under the faucet like nothing had happened. Humming a little. I came up right next to him.
“That’s it?” I whispered.
“What else does she need from me right now?”
“I don’t know, Daniel. Maybe for you to be upset?”
He turned off the water. He looked at me.
“I am upset,” he said quietly. “Believe me. I’d like to drive over to that kid’s house right now.”
“Then why didn’t you say anything?”
“Because she’s already embarrassed. She’s sitting out there in a sweatshirt in seventy-degree weather because she’s ashamed of her own arms. If I start yelling about Tyler, what’s she going to hear?”
I didn’t answer.
“She’s going to hear that she caused a big fight,” he said. “And next time somebody hurts her, she won’t tell us.”
I leaned against the counter. I hated that he was right.
“So what do we do?”
“I’m thinking about it,” he said.
And he turned the water back on.
The next morning was Saturday. I came downstairs early to make coffee, and I heard Daniel’s voice from the living room. He was on the phone.
“Sunday around six? Great. We’ll see you then, Tyler.”
I froze in the kitchen doorway with the coffee pot in my hand.
I waited until he hung up.
“Please tell me,” I said, “that you did not just invite that boy over to our house.”
“I invited him to dinner.”
“Daniel.”
“Tomorrow night. Six o’clock.”
“Daniel, please tell me you’re not planning to embarrass that boy in front of Emma. Because she’ll never forgive you. She’ll never forgive either of us.”
“I’m not going to embarrass anybody,” he said calmly. He picked up his coffee mug. “Just make sure we have enough food for five.”
“Then why on earth would you invite him?”
He took a slow sip of coffee.
“Because Emma’s scared that standing up for herself will cost her something.”
“And dinner fixes that?”
“No,” he said. “But maybe it can help her see what she’s actually afraid of losing.”
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.