“Daddy?” Sophie’s voice was small, uncertain.

Mark stepped into the kitchen, his eyes widening in shock as he took in the sight before him. His daughter, thin and pale, stood with her hands wrapped in makeshift bandages. Her eyes filled with tears of both relief and joy upon seeing him.

“Sophie?” His voice was choked with a mixture of surprise and concern. He rushed forward, enveloping her in a warm, protective embrace. “What happened to you?”

Before she could answer, Janet entered the kitchen, her face a mask of surprise. “Mark! You’re home! We weren’t expecting—”

Mark turned to her, his expression hardening. “I came back because I was worried. And now I see why.” His voice was edged with anger and disbelief.

Janet blustered, attempting to regain control of the situation. “It’s not what it looks like! Sophie just needs a little discipline—she’s been helping around the house.”

“Helping?” Mark’s voice rose, resonating through the walls. “This isn’t helping. This is abuse.”

Over the next hour, Mark sat with Sophie, gently cleaning and bandaging her hands as she recounted everything—the endless chores, the harsh words, the loneliness. Each sentence was a dagger to his heart, but he listened patiently, his resolve strengthening with every word.

When Sophie finished, Mark held her close, whispering assurances that she would never have to go through such pain again.

The days that followed were transformative. Mark immediately filed for custody, and with the evidence of Sophie’s condition, the court ruled in his favor. Janet’s web of lies unraveled, and she was held accountable for her actions.

With her father back by her side, Sophie’s life improved remarkably. Mark dedicated himself to being the nurturing parent she desperately needed, ensuring she had time to be a child again—playing, laughing, and healing from the past.

Sophie’s hands, once raw and battered, were now used for coloring, building puzzles, and holding her father’s hand as they walked to the park. Each day, she grew stronger and more confident, knowing she was safe and loved.

And as she looked up at her father, smiling gently at her, Sophie knew she would never have to say, “My hand hurts so much!” again.