“MOM, PLEASE, NEVER TAKE US HOME FROM GRANDPA!” MY 7-YEAR-OLD TWIN DAUGHTERS WERE CRYING FOR A TERRIBLE PAIN IN THE LOWER BACK. Grandpa was just laughing: “I hug you very hard. It’s my way of showing them love.” But when the doctor saw the results of his tests, he turned pale. “WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THEY STAYED AT THEIR GRANDPARENTS’ HOUSE?” What he said next made me understand that my girls had been hiding a TERRIFYING SECRET for some time...

My mother promised to seek professional help.

As for me, I kept the blue notebook as a reminder of how long a harmful error can be passed from one generation to another when no one dares to speak.

My daughters are much better today.

They have played again, laugh and sleep peacefully.

Sometimes they come running to me to hug me.

And every time they say, “Mom, that’s enough,” I immediately release them.

Because now I know something with absolute certainty.

A child should never have to endure pain to prove his love. And when a child says “IT HURTS!” an adult’s responsibility is to listen to him, not teach him to keep quiet.