“Tell them to stop.”
Daniel nodded.
“That’s what Emma deserved, too.”
The room became quiet.
Then Tyler turned toward our daughter.
“I’m sorry, Emma.”
She didn’t respond immediately.
“I really am,” he continued. “I didn’t realize how much my words would affect you.”
Emma took a breath.
“You told me you were embarrassed to hold my hand.”
“I know.”
“I went home and almost shaved my arms because I thought you wouldn’t like me anymore.”
Tyler looked genuinely upset.
“Emma, I didn’t know.”
“Because you never asked what I wanted.”
He lowered his head.
“You’re right.”
Emma glanced at us before continuing.
“I feel bad that those boys have been making fun of your eczema. Nobody deserves to be treated that way.”
“Thanks,” Tyler whispered.
“But you made me question my own appearance because you were afraid of what they thought.”
He nodded.
