After breakfast, Mrs. Stevenson closed her folder neafly. 11
“Mr. Sun,” she said, standing “If you don’t mind, I would appreciate a tour of the house.”
Jason nodded immediately.
“Of course.”
He stood, calm as ever, but I saw the subtle glance he gave the children before walking away with her.
They disappeared down the hallway together. 1
Assessment of living conditions.
Structure.
Environment.
Ms. Patric remained seated.
“I’d like to speak with Alice first,” she said gently. Then she looked at me. “Alone.”
There it was.
I smiled politely.
“I understand the need for privacy,” I replied. “But I would prefer if she remains within my sight.”
Ms. Patric studied me for a moment.
“She needs to feel free to speak openly.”
“She will,” I said evenly. “And she also needs to feel safe.”
A small pause.
Then Ms. Patric nodded.
“That’s acceptable.”
Alice slid off her chair and followed Ms. Patric to the sitting area by the window.
I stayed at the dining table, far enough not to interfere, close enough that Alice could see me if she looked up.
Alex remained beside me.
We watched quietly for a moment.
Then he tugged lightly at my sleeve.
“Hey, Amber?” he whispered.
“Hey, Alex,” I whispered back.
He hesitated.
“Is this because of what happened at school?”
My heart tightened.
“Am I in trouble?”
I turned fully toward him.
+15 Bonu!
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Na, darling,” I said softly. “You are not in trouble. They just want to make sure you’re safe.”
He studied my face carefully, as if verifying the truth in It
Then, so quietly I almost missedit-
“Amber… I’m happy you’re my mom now.
The words hit deeper than I expected.
I swallowed past the sudden emotion rising in my throat.
I brushed his hair back gently.
“I’m happy you’re my son,” I whispered.
Across the room, Alice answered questions calmly. She even laughed once.
Ms. Patric kept her tone neutral. Observant.
Less than an hour later, Alice’s interview ended.
She ran back toward me without hesitation.
“It was easy,” she whispered confidently.
Then Ms. Patric turned to Alex.
“Your turn.”
His small hand slipped into mine instantly.
He squeezed it.
Hard.
I squeezed back.
“You’ve got this,” I murmured.
He nodded bravely and began walking toward Ms. Patric-
Then suddenly turned around.
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