Chapter 6
Child services interviewed both children.
I hated every minute.
Not because they were unkind.
Because Lily had to say out loud what I should have seen.
Vanessa denied food.
Vanessa locked the pantry.
Vanessa pulled her arm.
Vanessa called her “Anna’s mistake.”
That one nearly broke me.
Mason confirmed everything.
Then he told them about himself.
Vanessa pinched him when he defended Lily.
Vanessa said boys who cried became useless.
Vanessa threatened to send him to his father, Eric, if he told.
The social worker found Eric within hours.
He was not dangerous.
He had been fighting for visitation for two years.
Vanessa had accused him of violence.
No charges.
No proof.
Only her word.
Eric arrived at the agency office pale and shaking.
When Mason saw him through the window, he ran.
“Dad!”
Eric dropped to his knees and held his son like the world had been returned to him.
I turned away.
I did not want to intrude on a miracle.
Later, Eric came to me.
“Thank you for keeping him safe.”
I shook my head.
“Mason kept Lily safe.”
Eric’s eyes filled.
“He’s always been brave.”
That night, Lily asked, “Is Mason leaving?”
“Maybe with his dad.”
Her face crumpled.
“He helped me.”
“I know.”
Mason hugged her.
“I’ll still be your brother if you want.”
May you like
Lily nodded.
“I want.”
