...
Most crucially, Mabel Cooper couldn't announce it yet. She could hardly imagine what kind of an expression would adorn her beloved daughter's face if she noticed an extra man in her bathtub. Thus, with a somewhat frozen smile, she decided to lightly change the subject: "Comfortable isn't it, Dahlia. By the way, have you finished your homework?"
Mabel had always strived to be a perfect mother in front of her daughter. She knew Dahlia longed for her deceased father, even though she never spoke about it. There was even a long period where Dahlia retreated into herself, firmly believing that her father was not dead, but had sailed off to a distant place.
It was only in recent years that her symptoms began to subside, and she became lively and cheerful. This relieved Mabel greatly, while ensuring she steadfastly avoided crossing the line that was her daughter's emotional realm.
