In a cozy three-bedroom house surrounded by gardens, Grace, 34, enters the room by pulling open the curtains and gently waking her seven-year-old daughter, Belinda. At the same time, flashes of her past with her ex-husband cross her mind—memories of physical abuse and his controlling nature. Grace quickly regains her composure as she looks at her daughter.
Grace:
Wake up, my treasure! It's Monday—I'm not going to put on your uniform and go to school for you.
(She laughs, tickling the soles of Belinda's feet.)
Belinda:
Oh, Mom! That's not fair—you caught me off guard!
(She sits up and tickles her mother back, laughing. One of her front teeth is missing from losing a baby tooth.)
Grace:
Okay, okay! I surrender! Let's get you in the shower—life doesn't wait.
(She gets up after Belinda tickles her.)
Luisa:
My granddaughter looks so beautiful today! Where's Grandma's kiss?
(Luisa, 60, Grace's mother, beams as she sees Belinda sitting at the table, placing toast on her plate. She kisses her granddaughter and receives a kiss in return.)
Grace:
She never forgets, Mom.
(She smiles tenderly.)
Luisa:
You have therapy today, don't you, sweetheart?
(She asks after taking a sip of coffee.)
Grace:
Yes. I can't deal with all that trauma on my own after everything I went through with Ted. And the best part is that my therapist is also my best friend.
(She exhales deeply, speaking slowly, her expression serious.)
Luisa:
Oh, my dear, I have no doubt about that.
(She says warmly, placing her hand over Grace's and squeezing it, showing support.)
Belinda:
Mom… is my dad a monster? Like the ones kids are afraid of when they go to sleep?
(She asks bravely.)
Grace:
Sweetheart, you're still too young to think about that right now. But be sure of one thing: if your father were a good man, I would never have kept him out of your life.
(She speaks gently.)
Luisa:
Honey, your mother has never hidden who your father is. She's also explained many times that when you're older and understand life better, she'll tell you everything.
(She says lovingly, stroking her granddaughter's face.)
Grace takes Belinda to school and then heads to the office of her friend and therapist.
Grace:
Ted… talking about him today doesn't feel as heavy as it used to. But I can't deny it—he's still my shadow. It's impossible not to remember him, especially because Belinda looks just like him.
(Slightly emotional.)
Lauren (Therapist):
What matters is that you've already healed about 80% of the pain you carried when you first came to me five years ago. Today, you're no longer as afraid of him—and that's crucial for your daughter. She needs a mother who can protect her, especially at this age, when children see their parents as heroes. In your case, you're her hero.
(Her voice is gentle and reassuring.)
Grace:
Speaking of Belinda, this morning at breakfast she asked me about her father—whether he was like the monsters that scare children. I didn't know what to say.
(Tense.)
Lauren:
Don't stay silent. It's time for Belinda to begin understanding the extent of her father's cruelty. Slowly, calmly, and in a safe environment, we can talk to her about it.