Daniel moved out two days later.
Not because he chose his mother—but because he couldn’t choose at all. The judge’s statement had rattled him, forced him into a corner he hadn’t expected to face. He said he “needed time” to think. I gave him space, but I didn’t waiver. Olivia was my only priority now.
I stayed in the house. The temporary restraining order was granted immediately. Margaret wasn’t allowed within 300 feet of Olivia, or me. Olivia still hadn’t spoken. We took her to a child psychologist, who said the trauma had caused a temporary mutism—a self-defense mechanism. She hadn’t cried. She hadn’t yelled. Sh
When he was done, I said, “If you can’t say to her face that she’s never allowed near Olivia again, we’re done.”
There was silence.
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