Page 40 of Wings
"Exactly like that." I helped her off my lap, standing with her. "It's not meant to hurt or humiliate you, Ki. It's meant to give you time to reflect. To reset. To remember that these rules exist because you're precious and deserve care."
Her face had gone pink, embarrassment and something else—relief, maybe? Like having consequences made the rules real, made my care tangible in a way words couldn't.
I guided her to the corner by the bookshelf, positioning her facing the wall. "Hands at your sides or clasped in front. No fidgeting, no turning around. Just stand quietly and think."
"For how long?"
"Ten minutes. I'll be right here."
She took a shaky breath, then stepped into the corner. The sight of her there—my strong, capable girl accepting discipline because she trusted me to know what she needed—hit me like a freight train. This wasn't about power or control. This was about love. About creating boundaries strong enough for her to lean on.
I settled in the reading chair where I could see her, pulling out my phone to set a timer. But I didn't look at anything else. Just watched her, cataloging the way her shoulders slowly relaxed, how her breathing evened out. She wasn't fighting this. She was sinking into it, letting the structure hold her.
The minutes ticked by quiet except for our breathing. Once, she shifted her weight, and I made a soft sound of warning. She stilled immediately, obedient and trusting.
When the timer finally chimed, I was on my feet immediately. "All done, baby girl. Come here."
She turned, and her face was exactly what I'd hoped—calm, centered, the anxiety that usually lived behind her eyes muted. I opened my arms and she flew into them, clinging like I was her lifeline.
"Such a good girl," I murmured into her hair. "Took your punishment so well. I'm so proud of you."
She shook against me, not from fear or cold but from something deeper—the release that came from being held accountable by someone who gave a damn. I held her tighter, one hand cupping the back of her head, the other rubbing slow circles on her spine.
"You did so good, baby girl," I murmured against her temple. "So brave, standing there when I know it was hard. Taking your consequence like the perfect girl you are."
A sob escaped her, muffled against my chest. "I'm sorry I forgot to eat. I'm sorry I disappointed you."
"Shh." I guided us to the carpet, settling with my back against the bed and her curled in my lap. The plush carpet cushioned us, soft as clouds under my legs. "You apologized. You took your punishment. It's all forgiven now."
She pulled back enough to see my face, eyes red-rimmed but clearer than before. "Really?"
"Really." I thumbed away a stray tear. "That's how this works, Ki. You make a mistake, there's a consequence, then we move forward. No holding grudges, no bringing it up later to hurt you. Clean slate."
The wonder in her expression gutted me. How many times had Alex thrown her mistakes back at her days, weeks, months later? Used them as weapons when he needed to tear her down?
"Stay right here," I said, shifting her off my lap carefully. "Daddy's going to get you something to eat."
"I'm okay—"
"Rule two, baby girl." My voice stayed gentle but firm. "You missed lunch, so now you need a snack. Non-negotiable."
She ducked her head, but I caught the tiny smile. Being cared for was still so new to her, but she was learning to accept it. Learning that resistance was futile when it came to her wellbeing.
I made it quick—grabbed an apple from the kitchen, some cheese, crackers, and a juice box I knew would make her blush. Back in the nursery, I found her exactly where I'd left her, sitting on the carpet with her legs folded to one side, playing with the hem of her sweater.
"Juice box?" She took it with pink cheeks. "Really?"
"Best way to get your blood sugar back up." I settled beside her, close enough our hips touched. "Plus, I know my little girl likes them."
She ducked her head again but obediently stuck the straw in, taking a small sip. I laid out the snacks between us, watching her eat with the same focus I used to scan for threats overseas. Different kind of protection now, but just as vital.
"Can I ask you something?" she said after finishing half the apple.
"Always."
"Why does it matter so much? The eating thing. I've been taking care of myself—or not taking care of myself—for years. Why do you care if I skip a meal?"
I turned to face her fully, making sure she could see my eyes. "You remember that butterfly you drew? The monarch with purple wings?"
