the chill inside my chest didn’t leave until the door of the cruiser swung open.
“Daddy!”
Lily launched herself into my arms, wrapping her small limbs around my neck with all the strength she possessed. I buried my face in her hair, kissing her forehead, holding her so tightly that the nightmare finally began to fade.
“You’re safe now, baby,” I whispered, tears finally escaping my eyes. “Daddy’s here. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Grandma was mean,” she sobbed against my shoulder. “And Mommy… Mommy just stood there with her phone.”
“I know, sweetheart. But they can never hurt you again. I promise you, I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe”
The rear door of the second vehicle opened, and a social worker stepped out, gently holding the hand of the little boy. He held the faded blue bear tight against his chest, looking around at the flashing lights
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