I PROMISE

JADE

I looked at where my phone was, got up, and turned on its recorder.

Afterward, I turned my attention back to Aurora and said, "It's okay, Honey. You can tell me."

"I'm afraid of my mummy," she said.

Seeing the fear in her eyes, my heart broke as I wondered what my daughter must have suffered at the hands of Stacy. No matter what, I needed to find out what it was.

I spoke softly and gently coaxed her, "It's okay, Honey. You are safe here. I won't hurt you and I won't let your mummy hurt you, I promise. Tell me the truth and I won't tell anyone."

She hesitated for a while but I waited patiently until she began, "My mummy was angry with me because I accidentally poured her cup of coffee.

Aunty Agatha was not around so, my mummy took me to her room and burnt me with her cigarette. When I began to cry, she told me sorry and bought me ice cream.

She asked me not to tell anyone otherwise she would burn me again."

My mouth fell in shock as my eyes brimmed with tears, "Did you tell your d