My next call was to Emma’s school. I needed to inform them of the situation and make sure her grandparents wouldn’t be able to pick her up without my consent. The school principal was understanding and assured me that they would update their records immediately.

When Emma woke up, I sat her down and explained, in the simplest terms, that she wouldn’t be visiting her grandparents for a while. Her eyes, usually so bright, were shadowed with uncertainty.

“Did I do something wrong, Mommy?” she asked, her voice small.

I hugged her tightly, tears burning my eyes. “No, sweetie. You didn’t do anything wrong. This is about keeping you safe and happy. That’s all that matters.”