The Knock Came Before I Could Dial 911

all of it tonight. But I need to know if there are other children.”

Clara’s toes curled inside the warm socks.

I wanted to say stop.

I wanted to cover Clara’s ears and tell every adult in the room to get out, including myself. Let her sleep. Let her have one night with no questions and no men at doors and no marks photographed under hospital lights.

But continue reading …