MY DAUGHTER AND I HAVE A “CODE WORD” — WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY IS WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE ONE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES TOO.

That immediately made me pause. Amy usually enjoyed weekends with her dad and hardly ever called me during those stays. “Oh, sure, put her on,” I replied, trying to keep my tone steady. Dave already sounded unusual, which only fueled the unease starting to settle in my chest.

“Hi, Mom!” Amy’s voice was its usual cheerful self, yet there was something about the way she spoke that felt off, something I couldn’t quite identify. It was enough to make me listen more carefully.

“Hey, sweetie! How’s your weekend going? Have you been having fun?” I asked, trying to keep things light.

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