The hallway felt like it was closing in as the two child services workers stepped in front of us.
"Mr. Rivera, please," Ms. Daniels said softly. "We just need a moment with your sister."
I pulled Alia closer, my hand trembled around hers. "No. We're leaving."
Mr. Owens' voice was firmer. "Mr Rivera, you'll leave us no choice."
Alia's voice cut through, shaking a bit. "You're not taking me away from my brother!" Her eyes were already filling with tears.
"Alia…" Ms. Daniels crouched slightly, trying to make her voice gentle. "Sweetheart, no one wants to hurt you. We just want to be sure you're okay."
Alia's face buried into my arm. "I said I'm fine! I don't wanna talk to you!"
My voice came out louder than I intended. "You heard her. She's fine. She's safe. She's with me. So back off. Get your filthy hands away from her."
Mr. Owens exhaled, exchanged a look with Ms. Daniels. "You can't run from this. We'll be back. And when we do, we'll have paperwork."
