Aurora’s medical report documented injuries from multiple distinct dates, severe skin damage from prolonged exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, and wounds to her hands and wrists.

Elodie’s evaluation was worse to read: severe situational anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and a direct, terrible association between her grandmother and punishment.

“The most important thing now,” the psychologist told us, “is for your daughter to see undeniable proof that the adults responsible for her will actually protect her.” The words hit me like a hammer.

That was the one thing I had failed to be.

Chapter 24 — The Order

That afternoon I retained a family-law and domestic-violence attorney.