There, in the hallway, was Sophie, slumped on the floor, her small hands red and bleeding, her eyes swollen with unshed tears. Janet stood over her, barking orders with no compassion. The scene played out like a nightmare, and rage built up inside Michael like a storm.

“Sophie!” he called, his voice breaking the tense atmosphere. Both Sophie and Janet turned, shock evident on their faces. Sophie’s eyes widened in relief and fear, while Janet’s composure faltered.

“D-Daddy!” Sophie’s voice trembled as she scrambled to her feet, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the joy of seeing her father.