The authorities arrived, and the room seemed to shrink further as they took our statements. The officers were thorough, professional, their presence a reminder of the seriousness of the situation.

“Mr. Jensen,” one of them said, “we’ll need to go to your house. Do you want to accompany us, or would you prefer to stay with Leo?”

I glanced at Leo, his small hand still clutching mine. I wanted nothing more than to stay by his side, but there was an urgency in me that wouldn’t rest until I saw the situation at home with my own eyes. “I’ll go,” I said, squeezing Leo’s hand. “But I’ll be back soon.”