On the ride home, I thought about how my children might have responded if they’d seen someone in danger.

I wanted to teach them to seek help, to trust their instincts and never believe that cruelty becomes acceptable because it happens behind a family fence.

I also wanted them to remain children.

Leo would have to carry the memory of that afternoon.

No amount of gratitude could remove it.

Later, when Brian asked whether Leo should speak with a counselor, Dana helped connect the family with someone experienced in supporting young witnesses.

That mattered as much to me as anything happening in court.