Chapter 6 - Taking a Stand
The next morning, the sun broke through the clouds, casting a harsh, unforgiving light on the events of the previous day. Ryan and Sarah sat in the sterile, brightly lit office of the local police precinct.
Filing the police report was grueling. Sarah had to recount every detail of the assault to a sympathetic but clinical officer. She had to explain the context of the medication, the history of Eleanor's emotional abuse, and the physical strike that had left the dark purple bruise blooming across her face.
Ryan held her hand tightly beneath the table the entire time. He was immensely proud of her bravery. Just a year ago, the weight of her depression might have made this confrontation impossible. Now, she was fighting back.
"Based on your statement and the visible injuries, we have enough to charge her with simple assault," the officer explained, handing them a copy of the report. "I also highly recommend filing for a temporary restraining order."
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"We want the restraining order," Ryan said immediately, glancing at Sarah, who nodded in agreement.
Walking out of the precinct, the cool morning air felt incredibly clean. It was a heavy step to take—criminalizing his own mother—but it was the only way to build a wall high enough to keep his family safe. They were no longer victims cowering on the floor; they were taking their power back.
