128 Woman: I AM NOT YOUR MOTHER, LEO!

Sunlight poured through the living room windows, illuminating floating dust motes and casting long shadows across the hardwood floor. David stood by the kitchen island, brewing coffee while listening to the gentle hum of the refrigerator. The house felt strangely peaceful yet hollow, echoing with the ghosts of the previous evening's trauma. He looked down at his phone, watching the screen light up with missed calls and messages from social services and family law attorneys.

Leo wheeled himself into the kitchen, the rubber tires whispering against the floor. He wore a fresh grey t-shirt and sweatpants, looking much more rested than he had the night before, though dark circles still lingered under his eyes.

"Is Mommy coming back today?" Leo asked softly, resting his small hands on the wheels.

David turned around, holding a mug of coffee in one hand and a glass of orange juice in the other. He walked over, knelt down, and placed the juice on the small tray attached to Leo's wheelchair before looking his son directly in the eyes.

"No, Leo, she isn't," David said carefully, choosing his words with immense weight. "She needs help, and the courts are going to make sure she gets it somewhere else. But you and I are going to stay right here. We're going to rebuild our routine."

"Will we have to move?" Leo asked, looking around the kitchen as if seeing it for the first time.

"Not unless you want to," David smiled gently, reaching out to ruffle his son's brown hair. "This is our home. We're safe here now."

Before Leo could reply, a sharp knock echoed from the front door. David stood up, walking down the short hallway to find Officer Miller standing on the porch, holding a thick manila folder. Opening the door, David invited the officer inside.

"Morning, Mr. Harrison," Miller said, stepping into the foyer. "I have the finalized temporary restraining order and the case file from last night's intake. Also, child protective services assigned a caseworker, a woman named Elena Vance. She'll be conducting a home evaluation this afternoon to ensure the environment is fully secure for Leo."

"I expected as much," David replied, taking the folder. "The house is secure, and I've already arranged for remote work so I don't have to leave his side."

"Good," Miller nodded. "Because Mrs. Harrison's defense attorney is already pushing for a psychiatric evaluation, claiming she suffered a sudden dissociative episode brought on by severe caregiver burnout."