He quickly called for backup, his voice firm as he relayed the urgency of the situation. As he waited for the other officers to arrive, he knelt down beside Jimena. “You’re safe now. We’ll make sure he can’t hurt you or anyone else ever again.”

Jimena nodded, her small hands clutching the fabric of her backpack. The fear in her eyes slowly gave way to a flicker of hope—a hope that had long been absent.

When the other officers arrived, Morales escorted Jimena out of the house. As they stepped into the fresh air, he felt the grip of the oppressive atmosphere begin to loosen, if only slightly.