Twelve weeks, and my daughter had carried this alone while I dismissed her pain.
“She is fifteen,” I whispered, struggling to breathe.
“I know,” he replied softly.
“How did this happen?” I asked, my voice breaking.
“I am sorry,” Kayla whispered through her tears.
I pulled her into my arms and said firmly, “You did nothing wrong.”
Dr. Cole then explained that a social worker needed to speak with her to ensure her safety, and that word changed everything inside me.
The social worker arrived soon after and introduced herself as Megan Foster, and she gently asked Kayla to talk privately.
Kayla looked at me, and I nodded softly before letting her go.
I waited alone, pacing the hallway while fear built with every passing minute.
When they returned, Megan’s expression carried a seriousness that made my heart race again.
“Mrs. Bennett,” she said quietly, “your daughter said the pregnancy was not consensual.”
“What?” I choked as my knees weakened.
“She said someone hurt her,” Megan continued carefully.
My world shifted as I struggled to understand.
“Who did this?” I asked desperately.
“She is not ready to say,” Megan replied, “but she indicated it is someone she sees often.”