My heart ached for him. How could anyone, especially someone entrusted with the care of a child, be so cruel? I wanted to reassure him that he wasn’t bad, that none of this was his fault, but I knew actions spoke louder than words. The most important thing now was to ensure his safety and well-being.

As the minutes dragged on, I kept Ethan close, determined to protect him. Finally, the doorbell rang, and I let in the police officers who arrived. Their presence was a relief, a promise that the situation would soon be under control. I explained everything to them, my voice shaking with anger and disbelief. Ethan clung to my side, watching the officers with wide, apprehensive eyes.