He wanted answers.
He wanted accountability.
Most of all, he wanted to know why his daughter had been placed in circumstances no child should have been expected to navigate.
But Michael also understood that Emma needed stability more than she needed to witness his anger.
So he made a promise to himself.
Whatever happened next, his daughter would never have to question whether she still had a home.
He attended appointments with her.
He spoke to professionals involved in supporting the family.
He helped arrange practical assistance, made sure Emma could continue her education where possible, and learned how to care for Sophie.
At first, he was almost as clumsy with the baby as Emma.
He held bottles at the wrong angle, struggled with tiny clothing fasteners, and once spent several minutes searching for a missing sock that turned out to be inside his own sleeve.
Emma laughed harder that day than she had in months.
