Chapter 2: The Sirens
Daniel didn't say a word as he crossed the backyard.
He walked straight to Ethan.
His eyes dropped to the towel wrapped around their son's tiny hand.
Blood and clear blistering fluid had already soaked through the fabric.
"What happened?" he asked quietly.
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
I could barely speak.
"Your mother..." I whispered. "She burned him."
Daniel slowly looked at Carol.
She still held the barbecue tongs.
"They were hot," she said defensively. "He pushed Tyler. I disciplined him."
Tyler burst into tears.
"I told you!" he cried. "I ran into Ethan! It was my fault!"
The officers had reached the gate by then.
One of them immediately noticed Ethan's injury.
"What happened here?"
Before anyone else could answer, Daniel spoke.
"My son was intentionally burned."
The yard fell silent.
Carol scoffed.
"Oh, don't be ridiculous. It was one little touch."
The female officer stepped closer.
"Ma'am, put the tongs on the ground."
Carol hesitated.
"I said," the officer repeated firmly, "put them down."
She finally obeyed.
Meanwhile, the paramedics carefully unwrapped the towel.
One medic inhaled sharply.
"This is a second-degree burn."
He looked at his partner.
"We need to transport him now."
Ethan clung to Daniel.
"Daddy... it hurts."
Daniel gently kissed his forehead.
"I know, buddy."
"I'm right here."
As the ambulance doors closed, Daniel turned back toward the house.
"I'll meet you at the hospital," I said.
He shook his head.
"No."
His eyes never left his mother.
"First... we're telling the truth."
Officer Reynolds opened his notebook.
"Sir, would you like to make a formal statement?"
Daniel answered without hesitation.
"Yes."
"And I intend to press charges."
Carol laughed nervously.
"You can't arrest your own mother."
The officer calmly replied,
May you like
"Actually, ma'am...
we can."
