Noah cried louder now.
Daniel’s hands trembled with fury.
“Where is she?!”
As if summoned by the anger in his voice, the nanny, Maria Lopez, slowly stepped into the kitchen doorway.
Her eyes were swollen and red from crying.
Her face looked pale and exhausted.
Daniel pointed toward the pot, his voice shaking with outrage.
“What were you thinking?! My son could have drowned!”
Maria didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, she slowly knelt on the floor.
Then she reached gently for Noah and wrapped him in a soft blanket.
Her hands trembled.
Daniel was still breathing hard.
“I trusted you,” he said through clenched teeth. “Explain this. Right now.”
Maria looked up at him.
Tears filled her eyes.
She didn’t speak.
Instead, she gently opened Noah’s tiny fist.
Inside was a small crumpled note.
Maria handed it to Daniel.
“Please read it first,” she whispered.
Confused and still angry, Daniel unfolded the paper.
The handwriting was shaky but familiar.
It belonged to his wife, Emily.
His chest tightened instantly.
He began to read.
Daniel,
If you’re reading this, it means I didn’t have the courage to tell you face to face.