Chapter 7 - The Grandfather’s Confession
That evening, a man Daniel hadn't seen in ten years walked into the hospital waiting room. It was Arthur, Daniel’s estranged father. Arthur had divorced Beatrice when Daniel was a teenager and moved across the country, cutting almost all ties.
“Daniel,” Arthur said, looking older and deeply exhausted. “I saw the news. I flew in as soon as I could.”
Daniel stood up, defensive. “If you’re here to bail her out—”
“I’m here to testify against her,” Arthur interrupted, his voice heavy with regret. “Daniel, your mother has always been deeply disturbed. When you were a toddler, she used to put mild sedatives in your milk so you wouldn't bother her during her social events. When I found out, I threatened to take you away. She poisoned my dog in retaliation. That’s why I left.”
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Daniel stared at him, horrified. “Why didn't you take me with you? Why didn't you warn me?”
“Because she threatened to kill you if I tried,” Arthur confessed, tears welling in his eyes. “I thought if I left, she would focus her obsession on me, not you. I failed you, son. But I won’t fail my grandson. I will tell the jury exactly who she is.”
