Song recommendation: I wanna be yours by Arctic Monkeys
Damian remained quiet as the Child Protective Service social worker attended to Gina's case. He leaned against the sterile hospital wall, his arms crossed over his chest, watching the scene unfold with a mix of disbelief and growing resolve.
It never ceased to amaze him how fast the system worked when it came to bringing parentless children into foster care. The efficiency was almost cold, a conveyor belt of tragedy that moved children from one life to another before the dust had even settled on their grief.
Across the small room, Alina was deep in conversation with Ms. Carter, the caseworker. The old neighbor, who had been holding Liam, carefully placed the sleeping three-year-old on Alina's lap.
Damian watched as Alina's posture shifted instantly; she curled her body around the boy as if she were a shield, her movements instinctive and full of a tenderness that made his chest ache.
