The Silent Permission

In a small apartment in suburban Chicago, Hannah Carter sat drinking her morning coffee, gazing out the window at the quiet residential neighborhood. She lived a fulfilling life as a freelance graphic designer. While she wasn’t without a longing for marriage, she knew the comfort of living life at her own pace. Her living space on the first floor of the two-story apartment wasn’t large, surrounded by cream-colored walls, but it was warmly decorated with art pieces and plants that she cherished.

When her cell phone rang, Hannah was just working on sketches for a new project. Seeing “Lily” displayed on the screen, she smiled. She had always been close with her younger sister Lily since childhood.

“Hannah, thanks for all your hard work.” Lily’s voice sounded a bit tense. “Actually, I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Hannah set aside her sketchbook and leaned back in her chair.

“Evan and I are going to Hawaii for a week. It’s a company incentive trip, but could you watch Mia? Mom is at a place in Florida, and there’s no one else I can ask.”

Lily’s marriage had been six months ago. Her new husband, Evan Hale, was an investment consultant who apparently earned a high income. Hannah had only met him two or three times, but her first impression wasn’t very good. She had been bothered by his cold handshake and his somewhat condescending way of speaking. However, if Lily seemed happy, that was enough for her.

“Of course,” Hannah answered immediately. “I’d be delighted to spend time with Mia. When do you need me to start?”

Five-year-old Mia was special to Hannah. After Lily’s first marriage fell apart, and she was living alone with her daughter, Hannah had often helped care for them both. Mia’s father had left home when she was two years old and had been out of contact ever since. Hannah had watched over Mia’s growth as an aunt since the girl had started walking.

“Tomorrow morning, I’ll drive her over. Evan says he wants to come along to say hello, too.” Relief colored Lily’s voice. “Thank you so much, Hannah. I’m so glad you’re here for us.”

Chapter 1: The Stranger in a Pink Backpack

The next Sunday around 10:00, Lily’s car stopped in front of the apartment. When Hannah looked down from her window, she could see Mia in the back seat with a small pink backpack. She was looking down, staring intently at her hands placed on her knees.

Waiting at the entrance, Hannah watched as Lily came up the stairs, holding Mia’s hand. Lily wore a bright blue dress and had her makeup perfectly applied as usual, but there was something tired about her expression.

“Hannah.” Lily hugged her sister. “Thank you so much.”

Hannah crouched down in front of Mia. “Hello, Mia. Let’s have a wonderful time together.”

Mia nodded slightly but didn’t make eye contact. Previously, she had been more active, and when she saw Hannah, she would have been the first to jump into her arms. But today, she was strangely quiet.

“Be a good girl,” Lily placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Listen properly to what Aunt Hannah says. Don’t be selfish.”

Just then, a car horn honked. Evan stuck his head out from the driver’s seat and pointed at his wristwatch.

Lily turned around frantically. “Oh, I have to go now. We need time to get to the airport.”

Lily kissed Mia’s cheek. “Be good. I’ll come pick you up in a week.”

Hannah felt something was off. Evan didn’t get out of the car or even call out to Mia. In the past, Lily would have taken more time to say goodbye to her daughter. As Lily hurried down the stairs, Hannah hugged Mia. The small body was stiff with tension.

“Now, let’s make this a fun week,” Hannah said in the brightest voice she could manage. “What would you like to do?”

Mia nodded slightly, but her expression had lost the innocence it once had.

On Monday morning, Hannah decided to prepare a special breakfast. While mixing pancake batter, she remembered the blueberries that Mia used to love, took them from the freezer, and mixed them into the batter. As the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, watching the pancakes turn golden brown in the pan, Hannah was planning the week. They would go to the zoo, see a movie, and bake cookies together. It was sure to be a wonderful time.

“Mia, breakfast!” Hannah called out cheerfully.

Mia came out of the guest room already dressed and with her hair neatly arranged. For a five-year-old child, she was surprisingly well-groomed, and Hannah was impressed. When Mia sat in the dining table chair, she placed both hands on her knees and straightened her back. Her posture was like an adult being interviewed.

“Here we go. All ready.” Hannah served the steaming pancakes on a plate and placed it in front of Mia. “Blueberry pancakes. You used to love these, remember?”

Mia stared at the pancakes but didn’t reach for her fork. Hannah brought maple syrup and butter and placed them on the table.

“Milk or orange juice? Which would you like?”

Mia looked up with a troubled expression. “Am I allowed to choose?”

Hannah was momentarily confused by that question. “Of course, choose whichever you like.”

“Then, milk, please.” Mia’s voice was small, with a tone as if she feared something.

While Hannah was pouring the milk, Mia stared intently at the pancakes. She was holding her fork but wasn’t starting to eat.

“What’s wrong? Don’t they look good?” Hannah asked worriedly.

“No, they look very delicious,” Mia answered hastily. “May I eat them?”

“Of course.” Hannah laughed. “I made them for you.”

When Mia took a small bite, her eyes widened. “They’re delicious,” she said in a whisper, as if eating something delicious was unusual.

Chapter 2: The Rules of Play

After breakfast, Hannah spread toys on the living room floor. Dolls, blocks, colored pencils, picture books—all things that Mia had enjoyed since she was little.

“Now, what shall we play with? Choose whatever you like.” Hannah sat on the floor and encouraged Mia.

However, Mia remained standing, looking at the toys as if they were museum exhibits. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, a step away.

“Mia, what’s wrong?”

“May I play with this doll?” Mia pointed to a blonde doll.

“Of course, you can play with all of them.”

“Really?” Surprise showed in Mia’s eyes. “I won’t get in trouble?”

Hannah was puzzled. “Why would you think you’d get in trouble? Toys are for playing with.”

Mia picked up the doll and hugged it carefully. But even after that, she asked permission for everything. Before touching another doll, before stacking blocks, before drawing with colored pencils. For each action, as if she needed a permit.

What a polite child, Hannah murmured to herself. But deep down, something bothered her. Was this simply politeness?

In the afternoon, Mia started fidgeting. She was shifting from foot to foot and holding her stomach. Hannah noticed and called out to her.

“Mia, what’s wrong? Does your stomach hurt?”

“No, I’m fine,” Mia answered hastily, but she was clearly holding something in.

“Do you need to use the bathroom?”

Mia blushed and nodded. “May I go to the bathroom?”

Hannah was stunned. “What?”

“Of course. You can use the bathroom freely. You don’t need permission.”

“Really? Really?”

“You can go anytime you want.”

Mia ran to the bathroom. Watching her from behind, Hannah felt her chest tighten. A five-year-old child asking permission to use the bathroom and clearly having been holding it in.

In the evening, Hannah prepared a simple dinner. Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, a menu that children would like.

“Dinner’s ready.”

Mia came to the table, but again placed her hands on her knees and just stared at the food.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you hungry?”

“I am hungry,” Mia answered quietly. “But… may I eat?”

This was the second time. Hannah took a deep breath. “Mia, here you can eat whenever you want to eat. You don’t need permission.”

“But if I’m not a good girl…” Mia’s voice was trembling.

“You are a good girl. A very good girl,” Hannah said gently. “So, please eat without worry.”

That night, when Hannah tried to put Mia to bed in the guest room, something strange happened again. After Hannah had tucked her in and said, “Good night,” Mia lay with her eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling.

“What’s wrong? Can’t you sleep?”

“May I go to sleep?” Mia asked in a thin voice.

Hannah was speechless. Did sleeping also require permission?

“Of course, Mia. Go to sleep.”

“I won’t get in trouble?”

“Why would you think you’d get in trouble?”

Mia didn’t answer. She just curled up small and turned to her side. Hannah gently kissed her forehead.

“Let’s have another fun day tomorrow.”

After leaving the room, Hannah sat down on the living room sofa. Looking back over the day, there was a common thread in all of Mia’s behavior. She asked permission for everything, acting as if she feared punishment. This wasn’t simple politeness. Something was wrong.

Her anxiety only grew. Tomorrow she would observe Mia more carefully. And at the right moment, she would contact Lily. It must be some kind of misunderstanding. Telling herself this, Hannah went to sleep.

Chapter 3: The Hunger

The next day, Hannah decided to make a special dinner. Standing in the kitchen, she thought back over Mia’s behavior since yesterday. Too quiet, too obedient, acting as if she was afraid to have her own will. Tonight, she would make something heartwarming that the girl would like to help her relax even a little.

Hannah chose beef stew—tender stewed beef and vegetables with rich brown sauce. It was the taste of memories from when their mother used to make it for them as children. Both Lily and Mia should have loved this stew. She cut the beef into bite-sized pieces, coated them with flour, and carefully browned them. She sautéed onions until they were amber-colored, then added carrots and celery. She added a little red wine for aroma, then simmered slowly with tomato paste and beef stock. The stew, carefully prepared over two hours, filled the entire apartment with wonderful aromas.

“Mia, dinner will be ready soon,” Hannah called out. “It turned out very delicious.”

Mia had been quietly reading a picture book in the living room. She carefully closed the book and returned it to its proper place before heading to the dining table. Even that meticulousness gave an impression unlike a five-year-old child.

Hannah spread a white tablecloth on the table and set it more carefully than usual. She filled deep plates generously with stew and served it with butter rolls and fresh salad. Mia’s portion was specially prepared with vegetables cut smaller for easy eating. She also prepared orange juice, making the table look like a restaurant.

“Here’s dinner,” Hannah called out brightly, satisfied with how the meal had turned out. “I made it with a gentle flavor that you’d like.”

Mia took her seat, but as always, she placed both hands on her knees and just stared at the stew. Faced with the steaming dish, she remained motionless like a statue. She didn’t even reach for her spoon.

Hannah sat in the opposite seat and took a bite of her own stew. It turned out delicious. “I’m sure you’ll like it,” she smiled at Mia.

However, Mia showed no signs of eating. She just continued staring at the stew. Something like fear floated in her expression.

“Mia.” Hannah put down her fork. “What’s wrong? Does your stomach hurt?”

Mia shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”

“Then why aren’t you eating?” Worry crept into Hannah’s voice. “Doesn’t it look good? Would you like to try a taste?”

Mia slowly looked up. In her eyes was a deep anxiety unlike anything Hannah had ever seen before. It was an expression as if she was waiting for something terrible to happen.

“Aunt Hannah.” Mia’s voice was trembling. “Am I allowed to eat today?”

The moment those words echoed in the air, Hannah felt as if her breath had stopped. Am I allowed to eat today? A question as if eating was an act that required special permission. As if she was normally forbidden to eat.

“Of course,” Hannah answered with a trembling voice. “Of course you are. You can eat as much as you like.”

She stood up and moved to sit beside Mia. Placing her hand on the small shoulder, she smiled gently. “Mia, you’re allowed to eat every day, anytime. That’s normal.”

At that moment, large tears overflowed from Mia’s eyes. As if a dam had burst, tears streamed down her cheeks. “Really?” her voice was thin. “It’s not punishment?”

Punishment. That word grabbed Hannah’s heart like a claw. A five-year-old child thinking that eating was punishment. No, thinking that not eating was punishment.

Mia began crying aloud. Her small body shook as the emotions she had been holding back poured out all at once. Hannah immediately embraced Mia. The small body was trembling like a bird.

“It’s okay. It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay now.”

“If I’m not a good girl, I don’t get food,” Mia said through her tears. “Papa Evan says so. He says selfish children are like animals, so they should endure like animals.”

Hannah felt her blood run cold. Evan, Lily’s new husband. He had been withholding food from a five-year-old child.

“Yesterday, I dropped a plate,” Mia continued, sniffling. “But Aunt Hannah gave me pancakes, and I really didn’t know if it was okay to eat them.”

“Mia.” Hannah cupped her face with both hands. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Dropping a plate is an accident. Being deprived of meals for that is absolutely wrong.”

“But Papa Evan said…”

“Evan is wrong.” Anger was contained in Hannah’s voice, but she carefully modulated it to sound gentle to Mia. “You have the right to eat three proper meals every day. That’s your natural right as a child.”

Mia shook her head. “But Mama says the same thing. She says, ‘If I’m not a good girl, I can’t grow up.’”

Lily. Her sister was also complicit. Hannah’s hands shook with anger. But now was the time to stay calm. She needed to heal Mia’s heart first so the child could feel safe.

“Mia, listen carefully.” Hannah looked into her eyes. “You are a very good girl. But even if you make mistakes, you don’t lose the right to eat. That’s the most basic human right.”

“Really? Really?”

“I promise.” Hannah kissed Mia’s forehead. “From now on, for this whole week, you can eat as much as you want. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can even have snacks.”

Hope lit up in Mia’s eyes. “Snacks, too?”

“Snacks, too.” Hannah smiled. “Ice cream, cookies, whatever you want to eat.”

Mia began crying again, but this time they were tears of relief. Hannah held her while making a vow in her heart. She would never return this child to that house again. No matter what Lily and Evan said, Mia’s safety would be the top priority.

“Now the stew is getting cold,” Hannah said gently. “Let’s eat together.”

Mia slowly picked up her spoon and took a bite of stew. At that moment, a real smile appeared on her face. The innocent, bright smile of a five-year-old child.

“It’s delicious,” Mia said from her heart. “Really delicious.”

Chapter 4: The Truth Unfolds

The next day, Mia was like a different person. After last night’s tears, as if she had put down a heavy burden, her expression became peaceful. At the breakfast table, she put syrup on her pancakes for the first time on her own and said, “It’s delicious,” with a smile.

Hannah was relieved by the change, but at the same time, the words she had heard last night wouldn’t leave her head.

“Mia,” Hannah called out gently. “About what you told me yesterday. Could you tell me a little more? I want to protect you.”

Mia nodded while drinking her milk. “Papa Evan is scary. After he married Mama, lots of rules were made.”

“What kind of rules?”

“When I wake up in the morning, I have to greet Papa Evan first. But when he’s in a bad mood, I can’t talk to him. I can’t leave food on my plate. But if I’m not good, no food. When I play with toys, I have to get permission. I can’t cry. I can’t laugh too loudly either.”

Hannah clenched her fists. This wasn’t discipline. It was complete domination and abuse.

“Mama started saying the same things,” Mia continued sadly. “She used to be kind. After Papa Evan came, the way Mama looks at me changed.”

“How did it change?”

“Before, when I fell down and cried, she would hug me. But now she says, ‘I don’t like crybabies.’ Before, we used to make cookies together, but now she says children aren’t allowed in the kitchen.”

Hannah’s heart ached. She could clearly see how Lily had changed. In her desperate desire to please her new husband, she was sacrificing her own daughter.

“Last week, I got in a fight with a friend at kindergarten,” Mia said in a small voice. “The teacher called Mama, and Mama was very angry. When I got home, Papa Evan said, ‘Problem children don’t get dinner,’ and I couldn’t eat anything that day.”

“All day?”

“Yes. When I cried because I was hungry, he said, ‘If you cry, we’ll skip another day.’”

Hannah stood up and turned toward the window. It was to hide her voice trembling with anger. Making a five-year-old child fast for a full day was nothing but abuse.

In the afternoon, while Mia was napping, Hannah called Child Protective Services. The worker took notes with a serious expression and promised, “We’ll start an investigation as soon as possible.”

Next, Hannah also contacted a lawyer to find out what procedures would be necessary to legally protect Mia.

Thursday evening, Hannah’s cell phone rang. It was Lily.

“Hannah.” Lily’s voice sounded a bit panicked. “I’m sorry this is sudden, but I’m coming to pick up Mia tomorrow morning. Due to Evan’s work, we’re coming back earlier than planned.”

Hannah’s heart jumped. “Tomorrow? We had agreed until Wednesday.”

“I know, but Evan says he has an important client meeting. He says he can’t concentrate with Mia around, so come pick her up early.”

Hannah looked at Mia. She was watching TV while eating cookies, showing the innocent, childlike expression Hannah had seen for the first time in three days.

“Mia has been very good. Couldn’t she stay a little longer?”

“No. Evan is waiting. I’m coming to pick her up at 10:00 in the morning, so have her ready.”

After the call ended, Hannah approached Mia.

“Mia, Mama called. She’s coming to pick you up tomorrow.”

The color drained from Mia’s face. She dropped the cookie she was holding and said in a trembling voice, “I have to go home already?”

“It looks that way, Aunt Hannah.” Tears welled up in Mia’s eyes. “I want to stay here. I don’t want to go home.”

“Why not?” Hannah already knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it in Mia’s own words.

“Papa Evan will be angry. He’ll definitely say, ‘I was a bad girl at Aunt Hannah’s house.’ Then there will be punishment again.”

“What kind of punishment?”

“No food or being locked in my room. The worst is when Mama says, ‘I don’t need you anymore.’”

Hannah hugged Mia. “It’s okay. I’ll protect you.”

That night, Mia cried, “I want to stay here.” Hannah stayed by her side all night, stroking her hair and singing songs. But Mia herself dimly sensed it, too. Tomorrow, those days of fear would begin again.

Chapter 5: The Confrontation

Friday morning, at exactly 10:00, Lily and Evan arrived. Hannah was waiting at the entrance, but Mia was hiding in the guest room.

“Mia, we’re here to pick you up,” Lily called out brightly, but there was no response.

When Hannah went to the guest room, Mia was curled up small in the corner of the bed. “I’m scared,” she said in a trembling voice.

“It’s okay.” Hannah picked up Mia. But in her heart, she had already made her decision. She couldn’t hand this child over.

When they returned to the living room, Evan was looking at his wristwatch irritably. “What’s all this dawdling about? Get in the car right now.”

Mia hid behind Hannah, trembling.

Lily also said in a cold voice, “Mia, don’t keep Papa Evan waiting. Hurry up.”

“Wait a minute.” Hannah stood up. “I need to talk to you.”

“Talk?” Lily frowned.

“Mia asks permission to eat. A five-year-old child asks if it’s okay to eat. This is abnormal.”

Evan’s face turned cold. “Of course she should. Children without discipline are the same as animals. Meals are a privilege, not a right.”

“A privilege?” Hannah’s voice rose. “Meals are a basic human right.”

Lily interjected. “That’s right, Hannah. Evan is correct. You don’t have children, so you wouldn’t understand, but modern children are spoiled too much. They need strict discipline.”

Hannah stared at her sister. This was brainwashing. Lily was completely under Evan’s influence and didn’t realize how abnormal her behavior was.

“Lily, you weren’t like this before. You used to love Mia.”

“I still love her. That’s exactly why I want to raise her properly.” There was conviction in Lily’s eyes. Frighteningly, she truly believed this.

Evan stood up. “Enough of this useless talk. Mia, get in the car right now.”

Mia started crying. “Aunt Hannah, help me!”

At that moment, Hannah made her decision. “I’m not giving Mia back.”

“What did you say?” Lily raised her voice.

“I’m calling the police. This is abuse.” Hannah took out her cell phone.

Evan was furious. “Abuse? Don’t be ridiculous. This is proper discipline. What would a single woman like you understand?”

Evan was enraged, and Lily was crying and repeating, “Hannah, what are you doing?” But Hannah held Mia in her arms and wouldn’t give an inch.

When the police officers and Child Protective Services workers arrived, the situation changed rapidly. Mia was frightened at first, but encouraged by a kind female worker, she found the courage to talk about her experiences.

“Even when I’m hungry, if I’m not a good girl, I don’t get food. When I cry, I get locked alone in my room.”

Though her voice was small, her testimony was decisive. Evan was arrested. In addition to child abuse charges, the investigation revealed investment fraud, and his true nature was exposed. Lily was questioned as an accomplice but received a suspended sentence and was required to undergo counseling.

Mia was temporarily placed under Hannah’s protection.

Chapter 6: A New Beginning

For the first few weeks, she would wake up from nightmares in the middle of the night. But each time, Hannah gently held her and said, “It’s okay. I’m here.” Mia’s heart healed little by little.

Six months later, Lily visited the apartment. Through counseling, she had come to understand how wrong she had been.

“Hannah, I’m sorry.” Lily apologized through tears. “I was the worst kind of mother. I couldn’t protect Mia.”

However, Mia was still afraid of her mother. When Lily tried to approach, she would hide behind Hannah.

“She needs time,” Hannah told her sister. “At Mia’s pace.”

A year later, Hannah officially became Mia’s foster parent. When the judge announced approval in court, Mia said for the first time, “Aunt Hannah, I love you.”

Hannah embraced her with tears in her eyes. More than blood ties, they had learned that love and protection were the true bonds of family.

One night, when Hannah made beef stew for dinner, something happened. When Mia sat at the table, she said, “Let’s eat,” with a beaming smile. Then she enthusiastically brought the spoon of stew to her mouth.

“Delicious!” Mia laughed happily. “Aunt Hannah, let’s eat together again tomorrow, too.”

“Of course,” Hannah smiled. “Let’s eat together everyday.”

Outside the window, snow had begun to fall, but inside, the small apartment was wrapped in warm light. For the two of them, this was the beginning of a real family. Lily visited from time to time, slowly trying to repair her relationship with her daughter. But Mia’s safe place was here.

Mia is now eight years old. At school, she’s known as a bright and active child with many friends. Sometimes she remembers the old days, but having Hannah nearby gives her peace of mind.

“Aunt Hannah,” Mia said one day, “when I grow up, I want to be like you—someone who helps children in trouble.”

Hannah hugged her daughter. Mia’s future was bright and full of hope. And that was exactly why Hannah had continued to fight—to protect those she loved, and above all, to restore one child’s smile. That was everything.