The hallway was narrow, lined with family photos—Lily smiling at the park, Lily holding school certificates. Near the bedroom door, the bolt sat solid and newly installed.
Daniel’s pulse quickened. “Step back, sir.”
When the door opened, Lily sat on the floor beside the bed, knees tucked to her chest, gripping a phone with both hands. She wore an oversized T-shirt. Her eyes were red, her face streaked with tears.
Behind her, the bed filled most of the room.
It had high padded sides, thick rails, and visible straps attached to the mattress.
Renee went pale. “What is that?”
Eric rushed to explain. “It’s for safety. She sleepwalks. I built it to protect her.”
The explanation rang hollow in a locked room with a frightened child.
Daniel crouched. “Hey, Lily. You’re safe now.”
She crawled toward him immediately. He placed himself between her and the bed without thinking.
“Dispatch,” Daniel said into his radio, voice steady but grave. “Request CPS and medical assistance. We have a child locked in a room with a restraint-style bed.”
At the hospital, the truth unfolded in pieces.