The next morning, I filed the report.
Not out of revenge.
Out of responsibility.
Because protecting your child isn’t optional.
It’s the line you don’t step back from.
When I finally met her mother later—
it wasn’t in the house.
It wasn’t alone.
And it wasn’t emotional.
She walked in defensive.
Arms crossed.
Eyes sharp.
“You’re overreacting,” she said immediately. “It was an accident.”
I didn’t raise my voice.
Didn’t argue.
