I had seen violence before.

Real violence.

I had spent years around men capable of horrors most people could never imagine.

I had learned to remain calm in dangerous places where every wrong decision carried consequences.

But hearing my daughter describe how three adults frightened and hurt her while her grandfather laughed?

That awakened something dark inside me.

Maya’s lower lip trembled.

“Grandpa said… ‘Your daddy’s not here to protect you.’”