Mia gave a small smile.

They worked the strap clear, and she zipped it herself.

I learned about that moment from Erin afterward.

It mattered because it was something Mia could finish without an adult explaining it away.

Before the formal review, the mother moved into temporary lodging under the agreed arrangements.

Mia remained in the care and contact plan authorized for that stage.

Clinical decisions and placement decisions were kept distinct; she did not remain in an acute hospital bed solely because an administrative meeting was weeks away.

Her mother attended supervised contact as required, made the medical appointments, and worked through the steps needed for a safe household.