I Came Home From a Double Shift to Find My Daughter Gone—My Family Said They “Voted”

still tense and uncertain.

I didn’t unload my rage on her. I didn’t hand her adult fear to carry. I just kept saying the things that mattered, over and over like a promise.

“You’re with me now. I’ve got you. Nobody gets to move you around ever again.”

She finally fell asleep curled against my side, like she was afraid I might disappear if she let go.

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