The officers exchanged a knowing look. Carefully, they retrieved the pill bottle, which was labeled with a prescription for a strong sedative. It was mostly empty. This small discovery shifted the direction of their investigation, hinting at the possibility of accidental overdose or a tragic mistake.

“Is there someone you can stay with tonight? Maybe a relative or a neighbor?” the first officer asked kindly, crouching down to the girl’s level.

“My aunt lives nearby,” she replied, her voice small but steady. “She can come.”