I called 911 before I even understood what Drew had just survived.
For three years, I believed I was helping a grieving mother protect her children. After my brother Aaron died, Reena told everyone she wanted one thing for Drew and Lily: stability. I accepted that answer because I wanted to believe the kids were safe.
I called. I brought groceries. I showed up with birthday gifts. I offered to repair things around the house. Every attempt to see my nephew and niece ended with another excuse.
MY 6-YEAR-OLD NEPHEW DRAGGED HIS BROKEN LEG SEVEN SIDEWALK BLOCKS TO MY HOUSE WITH HIS 3-YEAR-OLD SISTER CRYING IN HIS ARMS. THEN HE WHISPERED: "SHE LOCKED US IN THERE AGAIN."
