"So, we're okay?"
"For now. But the reports are official. I have to keep the case open for thirty days. If there are more incidents, more reports, I'll have to escalate. That could mean temporary removal."
Kesha's breath catches. "You'd take my daughter?"
"I don't want to, but if the reports keep coming, I won't have a choice."
After Diana leaves, Kesha sits on the couch, head in her hands. Zara sits beside her, small and scared.
"Mama, what's happening?"
"They're trying to take you away from me, baby."
"Who?"
"I don't know. But they're not going to stop."
That night, Kesha calls Reaper's number. He answers on the second ring.
"It's Kesha Williams, Zara's mother."
"I know. What's wrong?"
She tells him about CPS, the anonymous reports, the 30-day window. Reaper listens without interrupting.
"They're going to keep coming," she says, voice breaking. "They're going to take her. I can't stop them. I don't have money for lawyers. I don't have connections. I'm just—"
"You're not alone," Reaper cuts in. "Not anymore."
Two days later, Zara is called to the principal's office during lunch. She walks down the hallway, stomach tight with dread. Principal Donovan sits behind his desk. He's a white man in his 50s, usually kind. Today, he looks uncomfortable.