Emily sat on the couch, clutching a pillow to her chest as if it were a lifeline. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, her breath hitching with every sob. The house felt unbearably empty without Heather's reassuring presence. She could still see the image of her mother being led away in handcuffs, a look of resignation on her face.
Annie kneeled in front of Emily, her hands gently holding Emily's trembling ones. "Emily, listen to me," she said softly, trying to keep her voice calm despite the storm brewing inside her. "I'm going to the police station. I'm going to talk to Fred and get this sorted out."
Emily looked up, her tear-filled eyes pleading. "But what if they don't let her go? What if—"
Annie shook her head firmly. "I'm not going to let that happen. Heather didn't do anything wrong, and I'm going to make sure Fred understands that. But I need you to stay here with Ryan. He needs you, Emily. You're the only one who can keep him calm right now."
