The diamond before the fall

*The Quiet Breakfast*

In the morning, Harris went to the dining room, seeing Sarah and Emily already at the table. He spotted his daughter's chair empty and his heart ached. Nancy, who was filling coffee, followed his gaze and told him, "Miss Heiley said she will not have breakfast."

Harris nodded and turned towards his study. Sarah called him, "You will not have your breakfast?" He stopped and turned to her. "How do you expect me to eat when my daughter didn't have anything since dinner? You guys enjoy. I will be in my study." Silence filled the dining room. The two ate quietly without exchanging a word.

---

Heiley was in her room. It was already afternoon. Sarah knocked on her door, holding the necklace. "Heiley, dear? I got this back. I'm so sorry about Emily's behavior at the pool yesterday." She opened the door and took the necklace from her. "Thanks, Sarah." Sarah nodded. "Yeah. Heiley, I apologize for her actions. It was really out of line." She smiled slightly. "It's okay. Thanks for bringing it back."

Sarah smiled softly. "Can we have a word, dear?"

She nodded and stepped aside, letting her in. They sat on the bed, and Sarah took Heiley's hand. "I know Emily has been... difficult lately. Are you okay, really?" She shrugged, her expression a mix of frustration and worry. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just don't understand why she is doing everything to me. I really didn't push her yesterday. She threw herself into the pool. I know you all don't believe me but I didn't."

Sarah squeezed her hand. "Sometimes people believe what they think is true, for some reasons. But now I know you didn't push her. I believed her at first because I know she can't swim, and I am really sorry to accuse you falsely. I also don't know why she changed a lot but hope you can forgive me, dear?" She nodded, looking a bit more composed. "It's okay, Sarah."

Sarah's expression turned serious. "Heiley, your dad didn't mean to hit you yesterday. He acted out of anger... He loves you a lot and really regrets it." She looked away, her jaw clenched. Sarah continued gently. "He is in his study since morning. You didn't come out for breakfast, so he didn't eat either. You need to talk to him, dear."

Her gaze snapped back, a mix of hurt and concern on her face. "Is dad okay?" Sarah smiled softly. She knew, even if Heiley is mad at her dad, she still cared about his wellbeing. "He's worried about you. Go talk to him, okay?"

Heiley nodded, making a decision. "I'll shower first, then I'll go see him." Sarah smiled, feeling relieved. "Alright, dear. Take your time." She got up and left Heiley's room, closing the door behind her. Heiley let out a slow breath, her emotions still swirling. She headed to the bathroom to shower and prepare herself for the talk with her dad.

Heiley finished her shower and headed downstairs, her hair still damp. She found Nancy in the kitchen, busy prepping lunch. "Hey Nancy, can you prepare some snacks for me and Dad? Maybe some milk and something simple?"

Nancy looked up, a warm smile on her face. "Of course, miss! I will do it right away." She dropped what she was doing and started to prepare them.

Heiley smiled and thanked her. She asked if she needed help but Nancy said it was fine. After she was done, she efficiently arranged the milk, biscuits, and bread on a tray. Heiley picked it up and headed to her dad's study. She knocked softly. Her dad's voice came through the door. "Come in..." She pushed the door open, looking a bit more composed. Harris was surprised to see her. He stood up from behind his desk. "Heiley! Hey..." She smiled slightly. "Hey, Dad."

Harris quickly stepped forward, taking the tray from her. "Let me help." He placed it on the small table by the couch. She followed him, feeling a mix of nerves and apology in the air. "I brought some snacks... You didn't eat breakfast."

Harris looked at his daughter with sincere regret. "Heiley, I'm sorry about yesterday. I lost my temper... shouldn't have." Her expression softened. "It's okay, Dad. I shouldn't have talked to Sarah... like that."

Harris shook his head, sitting down on the couch. "You were right to speak up. And Emily's behavior has been... a lot. Sarah talked to her. If she does something stupid again, I'll send her out of the house. If that's what it takes for you to have peace."

Heiley sat beside him, pouring milk into a cup. "Dad, no... no need to send her out. I'm okay as long as she doesn't play her games again."

Harris sighed, taking the cup. "We'll see, dear. You're just like your mom. So forgiving." The two laughed and continued eating.

Heiley looked at her dad with a sad smile, "Tomorrow is when you going for surgery." Her dad nodded. "Yeah and everything will be fine don't be scared."