…and an unexpected sight that made him pause—a small, trembling figure huddled beneath the bed. It was a young boy, eyes wide with fear, clutching a frayed blanket. The officers exchanged a glance, their expressions turning from confusion to concern in an instant.
Gently, Officer Patel coaxed the boy out from his hiding spot. “Hey there, buddy. It’s okay, you’re safe now,” he reassured, his voice soothing as he helped the boy to his feet. The boy, appearing to be around six or seven, looked between the officers and little Mia, who watched with a mixture of relief and sympathy.
“What’s your name?” Sergeant Lewis asked softly, crouching down to meet the boy’s eye level.
“Ethan,” he whispered, his voice barely audible, as if speaking too loudly might break the fragile sense of security he’d found.
“Ethan, can you tell us why you were hiding under Mia’s bed?” Sergeant Lewis prompted gently.
