I wanted to drive home immediately, to confront Steve, to demand answers from my wife, but I knew rushing in without a plan could make things worse. I had to be smart, to think clearly.

“Let’s get you checked out by a doctor first,” I said. “We need to make sure you’re okay.”

He nodded again, trusting me implicitly. I stood, lifting him gently. As we walked out of the nurse’s office, I felt the eyes of school staff and students on us. Their expressions were a mix of sympathy and curiosity, but I had no room for judgment or gossip. My focus was solely on Leo.

Once we reached the car, I spoke in a calm, measured tone to keep him at ease. “Listen, Leo. We’re going to see a doctor just to make sure you’re alright, and then we’ll figure out what to do next. You’re safe with me, okay?”

“Okay, Dad,” he replied, his voice small but steady.