The CPS agent had just opened her mouth to respond when a small, frightened cry cut through the quiet room.
Marian was already on her feet before the agent could even rise.
She reached Isabella’s bedside in seconds.
“Sweetheart, I’m here. I’m here,” Marian whispered, climbing carefully onto the edge of the hospital bed and gathering the little girl into her arms. “Ssshhh… Mama’s here.”
Isabella clung to her desperately, fingers digging into Marian’s shirt.
“I dreamed of Mommy,” Isabella sobbed. “She was angry at me.”
Her little body trembled.
“She said I shouldn’t have talked to you. She said you and Daddy will leave again. She doesn’t want me to leave my room. She locked me in my room and said you and Daddy will never return.”
Her breathing hitched painfully.
“Mama, why is Mommy
