a millionaire was eagerly awaiting his daughter’s return after she spent a month long holiday abroad

with his beautiful second wife but the young girl only trudged silently up the stairs

two days later the concerned father had to call 9 1 1 when his daughter’s abdomen was visibly distended

the shocking truth however revealed a far more chilling reality

the Wilson Manor sat nestled amidst the ancient pine ridges of Connecticut a place where mist often clung to the canopy

even when the sun was high the colossal elegant house possessed a chilling solitude

much like its owner at this very moment Arthur Wilson paced the sprawling living room

the sound of his leather dress shoes clicking sharply and forlornly on the hardwood floor

he reached up to loosen the knot of his silk tie even though it was already perfectly positioned

his eyes were glued to the grandfather clock on the wall 30 days

for 30 days the sound of a child’s laughter had been absent from this house the unease churning inside Arthur

didn’t stem from the multimillion dollar architectural blueprints awaiting his signature

but from his profound yearning to see Daisy his only precious daughter

the rumble of an approaching car engine tore through the twilight silence Arthur abandoned the glass of red wine on the table

and rushed toward the main entrance a sleek black automobile pulled smoothly to a stop

before the portico the passenger door opened first Elena stepped out radiant and dazzling

her designer dress hugged her slender figure emphasizing the sophisticated demeanor of the woman who held control within this family

she offered a smile precise to the millimeter yet her eyes casually bypassed Arthur

darting instead to the rear view mirror for a quick check of her lipstick well we’re home

Elena remarked carelessly then turned to signal to the back seat the car door opened slowly and heavily

Arthur held his breath anticipating a sun kissed tan the salty scent of the ocean and his daughter’s joyous cry

but what emerged from the vehicle was a shadow Daisy appeared small and swallowed up by a long sleeved

zipped up jacket her hood pulled low concealing half of her face there was no seaside glow

no bright smile her skin was startlingly pale lifelessly white like a sheet of wax paper pulled from a chilly drawer

Daisy it’s dad sweetie Arthur froze for a second then his fatherly instinct surged

he hurried toward her arms wide open ready to sweep her into a hug Daisy winced

her frail shoulders beneath the heavy jacket trembled uncontrollably she instinctively took a step back

shrinking away from her father’s embrace in fear then unconsciously pressed herself tightly against Elena’s back

the action was heartbreakingly contradictory she was seeking refuge precisely where her fear seemed to originate

Arthur halted his arms still suspended midair what is the matter sweetie why are you Elena stepped forward

forming a barrier between father and daughter her meticulously manicured hand rested on Daisy’s shoulder

her fingers suddenly applying pressure through the fabric of the coat lower your voice Arthur

you’re upsetting her but look at her Elena she looks like she’s just recovered from a serious illness Elena sighed

her voice smooth and unwavering I told you Arthur Daisy has always been delicate she had terrible car sickness the whole way home

plus she was reacting to the pollen at the resort she’s been experiencing episodes of distress all day

and hasn’t been able to keep anything down Arthur looked into his daughter’s deeply shadowed eyes

Daisy kept her head bowed completely avoiding his gaze he wanted to ask if she was experiencing any discomfort

but the sheer exhaustion etched on her face made him hesitate his blind faith in his beautiful wife once again

overshadowed his paternal intuition all right forgive me go on upstairs and rest

Elena nodded with satisfaction she turned to Daisy her voice sweet yet cold

did you hear your father Daisy go to your room and take a nap don’t bother your father anymore

Daisy didn’t utter a word she turned her back dragging her feet heavily toward the staircase

her gait was unsteady and exhausted like an elderly person not a nine year old child returning from a vacation

Arthur stood rooted in the foyer his eyes following the small figure as it vanished up the dark

wooden stairs as Daisy reached the landing his gaze unintentionally fell upon her feet

her red leather shoes Daisy’s favorite pair which she insisted on bringing to the beach

to wear with her pretty dresses the soles were shiny and black under the crystal chandelier light

they were absolutely spotless not a scuff not a speck of dust and definitely not a single grain of sand

lodged in the grooves of the tread Elena’s enthusiastic reports from last week

flashed through Arthur’s mind we walk along the beach for an hour every morning

darling Daisy loves playing in the sand how could a child who supposedly

walked on the sand every day for a whole month have shoe soles as pristine

as if they had just been taken out of the box Arthur come and eat I’m famished

Elena’s call pulled Arthur out of the confusing mental reel about the spotless red shoes he flinched

blinking a few times to shake off the chill that had just traced down his spine maybe she had put on a new pair of shoes

just before leaving Arthur reasoned settling for the most plausible explanation even though he knew deep down how flimsy it was

he pushed the suspicion aside letting Elena take his arm and lead him into the dining room

where candlelight flickered across the long mahogany table the dinner was elaborately set with candles and fresh flowers

but the yellow light did little to warm the atmosphere on the contrary the long shadows cast on the walls

emphasized the distance between the three people seated at the table Elena sat at the head of the table

sipping her red wine she launched into a conversation with enthusiastic excitement

her hands gesturing with every word you wouldn’t believe how exquisite the spa service was

I spoke to the manager they’re sending me samples of their newest skincare line you absolutely must come with me next time

Arthur nodded attempting to smile and engage with his wife’s stories but his eyes continually flicked to the opposite side of the table

Daisy sat there small and lost in the oversized high back chair she kept her head down her hands resting in her lap

completely detached from Elena’s animated chatter in front of her was a plate of perfectly cooked

prime steak the rich sauce emanating attempting aroma Arthur noticed his daughter’s shoulders