Police officers arrived, followed by paramedics. Grace was taken away on a stretcher, tiny wires and monitors surrounding her fragile body. A detective asked Christopher questions while another officer placed handcuffs on Victoria. She did not resist. She simply cried, whispering apologies no one could accept.
At the hospital, a pediatric specialist approached Christopher hours later.
“She will survive,” the doctor said. “But her body and mind have endured trauma. She will need years of care, therapy, patience, and love.”
Christopher rubbed his face, exhausted. “What happens to her now,” he asked.
“She has no legal father listed,” the doctor explained. “Child services will take custody unless someone petitions to become her guardian.”
Christopher looked through the glass into the intensive care unit. Grace slept under soft lights, wrapped in clean blankets for the first time in her life.
“I will take responsibility,” he said quietly. “I will be her guardian. I will make this right.”
The doctor studied his face, then nodded.