James remained optimistic, dismissing Veronica’s concerns as the inevitable challenges of adoption. “She just needs time to adjust,” he insisted. But as the strange incidents piled up, Veronica couldn’t shake the growing fear that something was terribly wrong with their new daughter.
One evening, Arthur came running to Veronica, his face pale. “Esther scared me,” he whispered, clutching his favorite toy car. “She said… she said if I tell on her again, I won’t wake up tomorrow.” Veronica’s stomach churned with fear and disbelief.