It happened fast—too fast for anyone to pretend it was harmless.
Zach's shove, Daisy's splash, the water swallowing her small frame.
Then Charlotte's voice cutting through the panic.
“Zach. Inside. Now."
He froze, dripping towel half-off his shoulders. “I said sorry!"
“That wasn't an apology," Charlotte said. “That was noise."
Felix stepped forward. “Charlotte—"
“Don't," she said without looking at him.
Lisa's hand landed on Zach's shoulder. “Sweetheart, she's overreacting. You didn't mean—"
Charlotte's tone sharpened. “Lisa. Stop talking."
Lisa blinked. “Excuse me?"
“You've excused enough," Charlotte said.
---
Zach's face twisted. “Why are you making this a big deal? She's not even—"
“She is my daughter," Charlotte said evenly. “And when you hurt someone I love, there are co
