“And it ends today,” I added.

The second agent stepped behind Daniel and pulled his arms back.

The metal handcuffs clicked loudly in the quiet lobby.

Mason buried his face in my side, his shoulders shaking slightly.

I rubbed his back, keeping my eyes fixed on Daniel as he was led out into the rain.

He did not look back at us as they pushed him into the rear seat of the police cruiser.

“Let’s get your mother to the ambulance,” Dr. Aris said, breaking the silence.

“I will ride with her,” I said to Sarah.

“Go,” Sarah said, nodding. “I will take the boys to my office where it is safe.”

“I will prepare the paperwork for the emergency custody hearing tomorrow morning,” Sarah added.

I hugged Lucas and Mason tightly, promising them I would see them soon.

“Be brave,” I whispered to them.

“We are, Mom,” Lucas said, holding his brother’s hand.

The ambulance ride to the university hospital was loud and bumpy through the city streets.

I held my mother’s hand the entire time, feeling her weak pulse against my fingers.