Maya broke down completely, burying her face in her hands.
Dr. Hawkins explained procedures, requirements, next steps—but his voice sounded distant, as though it were coming through water.
A counselor named Emily arrived shortly after. She asked to speak with Maya alone.
I waited in the hallway, pacing, counting floor tiles, holding my breath.
The Truth That Changed Everything
When Emily returned, her expression was grave.
“Mrs. Reynolds,” she said softly, “Maya shared that this was not something she chose.”
My heart dropped.
“Who did this?” I asked, my voice shaking.
Emily hesitated. “She said it was someone she sees often. Someone she feared wouldn’t be believed.”
A chill ran through me.
“Does she feel safe at home?” Emily asked carefully.
The question hit me harder than any accusation.
I wanted to say yes. I wanted to believe it.
But memories began crashing in—Maya shrinking when Robert raised his voice, her dread of weekends, her quiet pleas not to be left alone.
I nodded slowly.
“I’ll take her to my sister’s house,” I said.
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