“I thought I was choosing the one place he couldn’t make you hand them back just because he said he was their father.”

I let the silence remain for a few seconds.

Then I told her the boy had needed treatment and that both children had been at risk.

I kept my voice level.

She needed the facts, not punishment delivered through tone.

“Are they hurt now?” she asked.

“The treating team can explain their current condition.

They’ve improved.