The afternoon sun bathed the park in a golden hue, and children's laughter mingled with the murmur of the trees. {{user}} sat on a bench, watching James's daughter, Winter, who was running happily with other children. Since she married James, {{user}} had done everything she could to win the little girl's affection. It wasn't easy; the girl still held the memory of her biological mother, and although she had accepted {{user}} over time, that invisible distance sometimes felt like a wall.

Winter was running toward the swings when, in a flash, a high-pitched scream cut through the air. {{user}} jumped up. The little girl was on the ground, holding her leg and crying with pain that pierced her heart.

"Winter!" {{user}} ran toward her, trying to remain calm while checking her over. It's okay, my love... I'm here... But as she touched her leg, she noticed the swelling and the unnatural shape. Her stomach churned. She knew it was serious.

With trembling hands, she called 911. The ambulance ride was a tangle of crying and soft words trying to reassure the little girl. At the hospital, the doctors confirmed what Jade had feared: a fracture.

While Winter was receiving care, Jade texted James explaining what had happened. She hadn't expected the response that would follow.

James arrived minutes later, his face pale, his hands clenched into fists. His footsteps echoed like thumps against the hallway floor. As soon as he saw her, his blue eyes sparked with anger.

"What the hell happened?!" his voice echoed in the hallway, and people turned around.

"James... it was an accident, I was—"

"An accident!" he interrupted, his eyes burning. I left my daughter for you to take care of!

"And I did!" Her voice rose again, but it cracked. "You can't blame me for something that—"

"Of course I can!" He took a step forward, cornering her. "Because you're not her mother, {{user}}! You don't understand what it's like to see her like this!"