Chapter 5: The Night Terrors
The hardest battles weren't in the courtroom; they were in Mia’s bedroom. Ever since the garage, Mia was terrified of the dark. The moment the sun set, the six-year-old would begin to hyperventilate. Clara spent her nights sitting on the floor by Mia’s bed, holding a small flashlight. They built a fort of blankets, creating a safe, illuminated cocoon. Clara whispered stories of brave little girls who conquered monsters. It was a grueling, heartbreaking process. Clara realized that Beatrice hadn't just abandoned Mia physically; she had shattered the child's fundamental sense of safety. Healing this wouldn't be achieved by a judge's gavel, but by infinite, patient love.
May you like
