It turned out that Daniel had discovered a small dark spot on Emma's back three weeks earlier. The pediatrician had immediately referred her to a specialist. A rare and dangerous skin condition was suspected.
Until the test results came back, Daniel had to clean the affected area every night with a special medical solution. This caused a slight burning sensation, which made Emma cry.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I sobbed.
Daniel lowered his head.
"You lost two pregnancies last year. When the doctor told me what they suspected, I remembered how you begged me in the hospital not to give you bad news until it was confirmed. I thought I could carry that weight alone for a few days."
—And why did Emma say it was a secret?
Her eyes filled with tears.
—I asked her not to tell you anything about the medication. I wanted to protect you. But I didn't realize how terrifying it must all seem from your perspective.
I couldn't look him in the eyes.
The worst thoughts had already invaded my mind, as he carried alone, night after night, the fear that we could lose our daughter.
The doctor left a document on the table.
—The tumor is completely benign. Your daughter is not in danger. The spot should disappear in a few weeks.
Daniel closed his eyes and, for the first time in front of me, burst into tears.
I approached him and hugged him tightly.
When we got home that night, we went into Emma's room together. She was asleep, hugging her stuffed rabbit tightly with both arms.
Daniel kissed her forehead and whispered:
—It won't hurt anymore, darling.
I took her hand.
From that day on, there were no more secrets in our home.
And from then on, we always bathed Emma together.
