Chapter 2: Learning to Feel Safe
Chapter 2: Learning to Feel Safe
Drew and Lily remained in the hospital for another week.
Doctors repaired Drew's fractured leg, while nutrition specialists slowly helped Lily regain her strength.
Physical healing proved much easier than emotional healing.
Every loud sound startled both children.
Whenever a nurse closed a door, Lily immediately asked, "Is it locked?"
Peter answered the same way every single time.
"No, sweetheart. And even if it were, you can always open it from your side."
One afternoon, a child psychologist brought paper and crayons into Drew's room.
"Can you draw your family?" she asked.
Drew quietly drew Aaron first.
Then Lily.
Then Peter.
When he finished, the psychologist noticed someone was missing.
"What about Reena?"
Drew slowly shook his head.
"She wasn't family."
Peter looked away, wiping tears before either child could notice.
The court granted Peter temporary emergency custody while Child Protective Services completed its investigation.
When he signed the paperwork, the caseworker smiled.
"They're finally somewhere safe."
Peter looked across the room.
Lily had fallen asleep with her head resting against Drew's shoulder.
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For the first time since Aaron died, they looked like children instead of survivors.
Peter silently promised Aaron he would never fail them again.
