I wasn’t going to justify protecting my daughter. I had always believed that family meant more than blood. It meant love, care, and respect. But the events of the previous day had shattered that belief. My in-laws had crossed a line, and I was done tolerating their behavior.
Lily and I spent the night at a nearby hotel. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was comfortable. As she settled into the bed, tucked under the covers, I sat beside her and read her favorite bedtime story. Her eyes were heavy, but she fought sleep, as if she was afraid the world might change while she slumbered.
“Mom, will they be mad?” she asked, her voice soft.
