Laura took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The room felt suffocating, the walls closing in with the gravity of what Emily had revealed. She had no choice but to push forward, despite the weight of the situation.
“Emily, you’re being very brave,” Laura assured her. “Can you tell me if Uncle Ryan has ever hurt you before?”
Emily shook her head slowly, tears spilling down her cheeks. “No, just this time… He said it was a special secret.”
