MY DAUGHTER WAS THRILLED TO HOLD HER NEWBORN SISTER, UNTIL SHE WHISPERED ONE WORD THAT SHOOK ME TO MY CORE!

After a while, Jaden spoke again. “My mom’s boyfriend did it,” he said. “He got mad. Said I was talking back. I wasn’t.”

My hand froze.

I’d worked with kids in crisis before, but this was different. This wasn’t defiance. It was survival.

When I found my voice, I said, “I’m so sorry, Jaden. You didn’t deserve that. You never do.”

He didn’t respond — just nodded faintly. When I finished, I handed him a mirror. He studied his reflection for a long time, then gave me the smallest smile. The kind you earn.Continue reading…