“No. You never told him what happened.”

I glanced toward Daniel.

Emma thought for a moment.

“Maybe I’m the one who needs to tell him.”

Daniel put down his dish towel.

“That’s your decision, sweetheart.”

“What should I say?”

“Tell him what he said and how it made you feel.”

“What if he says he was just being honest?”

“Then think about what his response tells you about the kind of relationship you want.”

That evening, I confronted Daniel privately.

“You planned that conversation about my smile.”

“I hoped you’d feel comfortable sharing it.”

“You could’ve warned me.”

He nodded.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

I leaned against the counter.

“Do you think Tyler understood?”

“I don’t know.”

“Then what was the point?”

Daniel looked toward Emma’s bedroom.

“She heard you explain how somebody else’s criticism affected your confidence. More importantly, she heard that you eventually stopped believing it.”