The world around us seemed to blur, the weight of Maisie’s words crashing down like a tidal wave. My heart thudded painfully against my ribs, each beat a reminder of my children’s vulnerability, of the terrifying unknown that had etched fear into my daughter’s eyes.
I tightened my grip around both of them, struggling to process the implications. My parents? The people who had raised me, who had loved my children as fiercely as I did? How could this be? The questions threatened to overwhelm me, but I forced myself to focus, to be present for Maisie and Theo.
“Maisie, sweetheart, you’re safe now. I promise. But I need to know more. Can you tell me what happened after Grandpa…?” I hesitated, unable to finish the question, fearing the answer.
