As Chicago’s autumn wind scattered the yellow leaves from the street trees, Elizabeth Collins was making her way home from the real estate office. Though fatigue from the day showed on her face, thinking of her daughter waiting at home naturally lightened her steps. When she arrived at the two-story house in the suburban neighborhood, she could hear Michael preparing dinner in the kitchen.

Working as a financial consultant, he often arrived home earlier than Elizabeth and actively helped with household chores. Welcome home, Elizabeth. Michael greeted his wife with a warm smile. Did your client meeting run long today? Yes, a little. Where’s Emma? She’s in her room doing homework. She came home late from school today.

Apparently, she was studying at the library with friends. Elizabeth climbed the stairs and knocked gently on her daughter’s door. Emma, I’m home. Welcome back, Mom. 12-year-old Emma turned around, showing a somewhat tired expression. Since starting middle school, Elizabeth had increasingly noticed subtle changes in her daughter’s demeanor.

 She told herself it was probably just the complexity that comes with adolescence. 3 years ago, Elizabeth’s life had changed completely. She lost her beloved husband, David, in a sudden traffic accident, and life with 9-year-old Emma began as just the two of them. Though her job at the real estate company was stable, there were times when the weight of responsibility as a single mother raising her daughter felt overwhelming.

 It was during a workplace training session that she met Michael. Gentle and intelligent, he listened patiently to Elizabeth’s concerns and also cared about Emma. What started as friendship gradually developed into something deeper. Two years ago in spring, they married. Michael seriously considered becoming Emma’s new father and actively participated in her school events.

 Emma, though initially confused, seemed to be opening her heart to Michael’s kindness. However, recently subtle changes had begun occurring in the family atmosphere. Emma no longer conversed with Michael as much as before, often spending dinner quietly. Her school grades were also beginning to slip gradually. Adolescence is challenging.

 Elizabeth was talking with Michael in their bedroom at night. I feel like Emma is trying to distance herself from us. Michael gently took his wife’s hand. You went through the same age once, didn’t you? Time will surely resolve this. We shouldn’t rush. We just need to match Emma’s pace. His words were always rational and kind. One weekend morning, while the three of them are having breakfast, Emma said in a small voice, “The back of my neck hurts.

How does it hurt?” Elizabeth looked at her daughter with concern. It’s kind of throbbing, Emma answered, placing her hand on her neck. Michael calmly suggested. “You might have slept wrong. Let’s watch it, and if it continues, we’ll go to the doctor.” About 2 weeks after Emma first complained of neck pain, Elizabeth noticed that her daughter’s changes had become more pronounced.

 Previously, Emma would come home from school and happily share the day’s events. But now she would head straight to her room and close the door. Emma, have you finished your homework? Elizabeth visited her daughter’s room before dinner. Not yet. Emma lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her textbooks were open on the desk, but appeared untouched.

 Is something troubling you? Won’t you talk to mom about it? Emma sat up and faced Elizabeth. In that moment, the expression that appeared in her daughter’s eyes struck Elizabeth’s heart. It was a look of deep fatigue and resignation that a 12-year-old child shouldn’t possess. Nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired.

 Did something happen at school? Are you having trouble with friends? I’m fine. Emma’s voice had become smaller than before. Don’t worry. Elizabeth placed her hand on her daughter’s forehead. There was no fever, but Emma shrank back slightly. That night, Michael spoke to Elizabeth. I talked with Emma. I told her it takes time to adjust to middle school life.

How did she react? She seemed wary at first, but she smiled a little at the end. I think you don’t need to worry too much. Michael’s words should have been reassuring, but the anxiety deep in Elizabeth’s chest wouldn’t disappear. The following Monday, while Elizabeth was reviewing contracts at the real estate office, her cell phone rang.

 It was from Emma’s middle school. Is this Mrs. Collins? This is Mr. Johnson. Emma’s home room teacher. Yes. Is something wrong? Actually, Emma has been falling asleep in class more frequently these past few days. Sometimes when we call her name, she has trouble waking up. Elizabeth was surprised. Falling asleep.

 I thought I was putting her to bed early enough. Her grades are also declining somewhat. She seems different from the Emma we knew before. Have there been any changes at home? After hanging up, Elizabeth told her colleague she was leaving early and headed home. She quietly searched Emma’s room. She found no evidence of staying up late.

 However, she discovered a small flashlight hidden near the pillow. That evening, when Emma came home, Elizabeth gently spoke to her. Mr. Johnson called today. He mentioned that you sometimes get sleepy during class. Emma’s face stiffened. I just get tired sometimes. Can’t you sleep at night? If you have any worries, please talk to mom. I’m really okay.

Emma stepped toward the stairs. Can I go to my room now? That weekend, Elizabeth took Emma to the pediatrician. Their regular doctor, Dr. Wilson, examined Emma thoroughly, but found no physical abnormalities. Regarding the neck pain, it might be caused by muscle tension, the doctor explained.

 Have there been any recent changes in your living environment, new semester stress, changes at home? I remarried two years ago, but nothing else in particular. Adolescent children are more sensitive to environmental changes than adults realize. Psychological stress can sometimes manifest as physical symptoms. In the car on the way home, Elizabeth spoke to Emma.

 The doctor said stress might be the cause. Are you feeling pressure about something? Emma answered while looking out the window. Everyone thinks I’m happy. Michael is kind and we’re a perfect family. But but it’s not perfect. Something’s different. Emma’s voice trembled. But if I say that, it would make you sad, Mom. Elizabeth pulled the car over to the shoulder and hugged her daughter.

 Emma, everything you feel is important. It hurts me much more to see you suffer than to be sad myself. Emma cried in her mother’s arms. However, she still didn’t try to explain specifically what the problem was. That night, Michael asked with concern. How was the hospital visit? Physically, there’s nothing wrong, but Emma seems to be feeling some kind of stress.

 It might be my fault. Michael sighed deeply. Maybe I should have spent more time with her. Work’s been busy, and I haven’t been able to talk with her enough lately. His humble attitude renewed Elizabeth’s trust in her husband. At the same time, however, she felt the need to think more deeply about why Emma had begun avoiding Michael.

 The next morning, Emma complained of neck pain again. “This time, it seems stronger than before, and she could barely move her neck.” “It even hurts to wash my hair,” Emma complained tearfully. Elizabeth noticed that her daughter’s hair had grown long. “Then let’s go to the beauty salon this Saturday. We’ll have Jennifer take a look and give you a hairstyle that won’t strain your neck.

” Emma nodded slightly. Saturday morning, Elizabeth and Emma drove to the downtown beauty salon, Rose Salon. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Aunt Jennifer. Elizabeth spoke to her daughter while driving. The last time we went was before summer vacation, wasn’t it? Emma nodded slightly in the passenger seat.

Whether because her neck pain was severe, even moving her head seemed painful. Elizabeth. Emma. Jennifer Rose greeted them both with a bright smile. It’s been so long. Emma, your hair has grown quite long. Jennifer, how have you been? Elizabeth hugged her old friend. Emma’s neck has been hurting, so the weight of her hair might be adding to the burden.

 Is that so? Jennifer looked at Emma with concern. Then let’s give you a light cut, Emma. What kind of hairstyle would you like? Emma answered in a small voice. Please cut it short. Very short. Elizabeth was surprised. Are you sure you want it really short? It’s grown so beautifully. Please. Emma’s voice held an unusual urgency.

 Jennifer, as a professional butician, was skilled at detecting subtle changes in her clients. I understand, but let’s start with a shampoo first. At the shampoo station, Jennifer gently washed Emma’s hair. How’s school? Have you made new friends? It’s okay. Emma’s response was brief. Is everyone in the family doing well? Is Michael a kind daddy? Jennifer felt Emma’s body stiffen for a moment.

Sitting in the cutting chair, Jennifer began carefully cutting with her scissors. You’re sure about cutting it really short? Emma, you seem tired lately. Is something worrying you? Jennifer looked into Emma’s eyes through the mirror. Emma looked away. I’m fine. When the hair was cut to shoulder length, Jennifer gathered Emma’s long hair at the back to cut neatly around the neck area.

 At that moment, her hand suddenly stopped. On the back of Emma’s neck, just below the hairline, several small blue bruises were visible. Moreover, they were clearly made at different times. Beside old bruises that had turned yellow, there were also new purple ones. Additionally, there were multiple thin scratch marks that looked like they were made by fingernails.

 The color drained from Jennifer’s face. Having been a butician for over 20 years, she couldn’t fail to understand the meaning of such marks. Elizabeth. Jennifer’s voice was shaking. “Could you come here?” Elizabeth, who had been reading a magazine, noticed her friend’s unusual tone and stood up. “What’s wrong? Look at this,” Jennifer said quietly while gently lifting Emma’s hair.

 The moment Elizabeth saw the back of her daughter’s neck through the mirror, all the blood drained from her body. Multiple blue bruises, scratch marks, and pressure marks that looked like finger impressions. They were hidden below the hairline but became clearly visible when the hair was lifted. Emma. Elizabeth’s voice became tremulous.

 What is this? Since when? When Emma met her mother’s eyes in the mirror, tears overflowed. Mom, please don’t say anything. Who did this to you? Elizabeth knelt beside her daughter. Emma, tell me. I can’t. Emma shook her head while crying. I promised. If I tell, something worse will happen. Jennifer checked that there were no other customers before putting a temporarily closed sign on the salon entrance. Emma, this is a safe place.

 No one here will hurt you. But mom, Emma sobbed. If mom gets hurt, too, it’ll be my fault. With those words, Elizabeth understood everything. Someone was threatening her daughter, and that person was threatening to harm her as well. Emma, listen. Elizabeth took her daughter’s hands. Mom is strong. I’ll do anything to protect you, so please tell me the truth.

 Emma remained silent for a long time, but eventually began speaking in a trembling voice. Michael Elizabeth’s heart felt like it stopped. Since when? About 6 months ago. At first, it was just words. Your mother is always working and doesn’t value time with me. You’re in the way, too. And then on nights when mom worked late, he come to my room.

 He grabbed my neck and say, “If you tell your mother next time, I’ll do the same thing to her.” Elizabeth hugged her daughter. “The injuries on your neck?” Jennifer asked gently. “I did them myself,” Emma answered in a small voice. “I thought if I made a different reason, I could hide what Michael did to me.” Elizabeth stood up.

 Jennifer, where’s the nearest police station? Three blocks away. Emma, put on your coat,” Elizabeth said to her daughter. “We’re going to the police right now. But Michael will. It’s okay now. Mom will protect you.” “Absolutely.” Jennifer quickly arranged Emma’s hair and wrapped a towel around her neck. “We should probably take photos in this condition, too.

” The three of them left the beauty salon and walked through the afternoon sunlight. “You’re not alone anymore,” Elizabeth promised her daughter. From now on, whatever happens, we’ll face it together. At the heavy doors of the police station, Emma looked back one last time. Then, taking a deep breath, she went inside with her mother.

Detective Sarah Hartman, a woman in her early 40s who was a child abuse specialist, immediately appeared. Mrs. Collins, Emma, please come this way. Sarah led them to a quiet interview room first so Emma can relax. Could you wait in a separate room, Mom? Elizabeth looked at Emma anxiously. “Will you be okay alone?” Emma nodded slightly.

 An hour later, Sarah came to Elizabeth in the waiting room with a serious expression. “From what Emma told me?” Sarah chose her words carefully as she sat down. “Abuse definitely occurred. However, the situation is more complex than we initially imagined.” “What do you mean?” Michael Harrison was indeed a kind stepfather when you first married, but according to Emma’s testimony, he changed around last spring when your work became busy and you started working more overtime,” Sarah continued.

 “It started with verbal threats, content like, your mother prioritizes work over me. You’re an obstacle, too.” Elizabeth gasped. According to Emma, Michael began visiting her room on nights when you came home late. At 2 or 3 in the morning, at those hours, he would quietly open the door, approach her bed, grab her neck with both hands, and threaten her.

 “If you tell your mother, she’ll suffer the same fate next time.” “Anything else?” Elizabeth asked in a trembling voice. “That seems to be the extent of the physical violence.” However, the psychological threats were persistent. He repeatedly subjected her to words like, “If you weren’t here, we could be happy and your father died because you bring misfortune.

” Tears overflowed from Elizabeth’s eyes. Emma was injuring her own neck to hide the marks Michael made. If she said, “Michael did this, he might hurt you, so she tried to make it look like she was injured for another reason.” “My daughter carrying such thoughts alone.” Sarah stood up and placed her hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder.

 Emma was very brave and she loves you deeply. What she feared most was you getting hurt. What was Michael’s motive? Judging from Emma’s testimony, he apparently wanted to have children with you. He felt Emma’s presence was in the way. He didn’t have children with his ex-wife either, did he? Elizabeth nodded. I’m going to your house now with a colleague. Sarah stood up.

 Well bring Michael to the station for voluntary questioning. We’ll also investigate Emma’s room for evidence preservation. 2 hours later, Sarah called. We’ve arrested Michael Harrison. Arrested. We found important evidence in Emma’s room. A small recorder was hidden under her bed. Michael’s threatening voice is clearly recorded.

 Elizabeth was surprised. Emma made recordings. She’s a smart child. She probably thought to keep it as evidence. This recording can be used in court. What did Michael say? He denied it at first, but confessed when we played the recording. We also found numerous abusive messages to his ex-wife on his cell phone.

 Apparently, his ex-wife also suffered psychological domestic violence from him. That night, Elizabeth and Emma stayed at a hotel near the police station. Sitting side by side on the bed, Elizabeth took her daughter’s hand. “I’m sorry, Emma. Mom should have noticed. It’s not mom’s fault.” Emma showed the most peaceful expression she displayed in months.

 At first, I thought Michael would really become my dad. When did things change? Last spring. When mom got busy with the new project. At first, he’d laugh and say, “Your mom is quite the career woman.” But gradually, he stopped laughing. Even so, I could bear it for a while. But when he started coming to my room at night, Emma’s voice became small. I became too scared to sleep.

“So, you fell asleep at school?” Yes, but I didn’t want to worry the teacher, so I acted normal at home. The next day, Sunday, Sarah brought additional information. Michael’s ex-wife, Jessica Harrison, had visited the police station and provided important testimony.