Part 1: The Morning My Son Begged Me Not to Go

I didn’t think.

I moved.

I pushed the door open so hard it slammed into the wall. A few staff members jumped in surprise as I marched across the room, my heart pounding, my hands clenched.

When Johnny saw me, his entire body sagged with relief. I scooped him into my arms, holding him close.

That was the moment I knew.

This wasn’t a phase.

This wasn’t separation anxiety.

And I wasn’t leaving that building until I had answers.