Chapter 5 - The System Fails
I opened the door with trembling hands.
The woman introduced herself as Mrs. Higgins from the state family welfare department.
"We received a report of child endangerment and severe physical abuse," she said, stepping into the apartment without waiting for an invitation.
The police officers stood menacingly in the hallway, blocking my only exit.
"My father assaulted my son," I said quickly, trying to control the panic in my voice.
"We have a medical report from the hospital last night verifying his injuries."
Mrs. Higgins looked at me over her glasses, completely unimpressed.
"Your parents filed a report claiming you were intoxicated, violent, and that you struck your own son before dragging him into the freezing woods."
"That is an absolute lie!" I screamed, feeling the walls closing in on me.
"They also provided bank records showing severe financial instability and erratic debt accumulation," she continued smoothly.
Natalie’s theft was now being used as legal proof that I was an unfit mother.
Tyler and Megan stood in the doorway of the guest bedroom, holding hands tightly.
Mrs. Higgins looked at them with a practiced, synthetic smile.
"I am afraid I have an emergency order of removal," she announced.
"You cannot take my children!" I sobbed, moving to shield them with my body.
One of the police officers placed a heavy hand on his utility belt.
"Ma'am, do not make this harder than it has to be, or you will be placed under arrest."
I had to choose between going to jail or letting them go so I could fight the system from the outside.
May you like
I knelt down, kissed my crying children, and promised I would get them back no matter what it took.
As Mrs. Higgins led them away, she handed me a piece of paper that revealed the temporary foster placement was not a state facility, but my parents' house.
