But Carolina wasn’t looking at Sawyer anymore. She was staring at Gracie’s bed with an expression that was equal parts terror and resentment.

Suddenly, Gracie stirred and opened her eyes. She caught sight of her mother, and her immediate reaction was to cower behind the soft hospital pillow.

The social worker didn’t miss a thing. Bridget stepped closer to the bed and spoke in a soft, gentle voice. “Gracie, would you like your mother to stay in the room while we talk, or would you rather we spoke alone?”

Gracie shook her head vigorously, her body trembling under the thin hospital blanket.

Carolina stepped forward, her voice desperate. “Gracie, tell them the truth right now!”

The little girl began to cry, silent tears tracking down her cheeks. Then she spoke the words that stopped time for everyone in the room.