“Very soon,” Dr. Patel said, keeping her voice steady. “She’s safe. I promise.”
Caleb nodded, pressing his lips together as he wiped his nose with the sleeve of his hoodie.
Less than half an hour later, Detective Mark Reyes from Child Protective Services stepped into the room. He didn’t loom. He didn’t rush. He crouched down so his eyes were level with Caleb’s.
“I heard you were incredibly brave tonight,” he said softly.
Caleb shrugged, as if bravery were just something that happened when there was no other choice.
“What’s your full name?” Reyes asked.
“Caleb Benson.”
“And your sister?”
“Eliana,” he answered, then added quickly, “But I call her Ellie.”
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