As the realization settled in, a painful knot formed in my stomach. The very thought of my son or daughter-in-law being responsible for this was unbearable. But there was no denying the evidence. The bruises on Liam’s fragile body screamed of a darkness that had to be brought to light.
I spent that sleepless night in the hospital, my mind racing with a mix of dread and resolve. I loved Jared and Amanda, but Liam’s safety had to be my priority. It was a battle between the love for my child and the desperate need to protect my grandson. It was a battle I never imagined I would have to fight.
The authorities were involved by morning. A detective and a child protective services worker sat across from me in a small, sterile conference room. Their questions were pointed, and I knew the weight of my answers could change everything for our family.
