Because what she feared most wasn’t the pain.
It was my reaction.
“I’m not going to yell,” I said carefully. “And I’m not going to let anyone hurt you again.”
Her lips trembled.
“Promise?”
“Yes.”
I took her to the doctor that night.
They confirmed the bruising, asked careful questions, and contacted child protective services.
Sophie told the truth again.
Quietly, but clearly.
It wasn’t the first time.
Her mother had gotten angry before.
She had been told to stay quiet.
Reports were filed.
Statements were taken.
And for the first time, everything was out in the open.
