((TW// Details of child abuse, CPS))
Two children, one bigger than the other
Running from a monster
Leave with an excuse and take only what you wear
Try to save him just this once
It was the worst it had ever been that weekend
Finally had the proof
If only they could've seen what was worse than bruises before
Make the call, not intending what would happen
Save him today, just this once
They called the police who took pictures of us against the gas station wall
Would it work this time?
I stared at the floor like I always did when I was thinking
Unblinking, unmoving
They asked me if I was traumatized
I didn't know what to tell them
Maybe if I stayed quiet they'd take me seriously this time
My cheek was swollen from when she kicked me in the face, and I had that look I always did then, frozen, like I'd seen too much, like I hadn't slept in days
He was bruised where she beat him with a broom, and wore the diaper he didn't need because she wanted to humiliate him, sandals too big for his small brown feet
Two kids then
I just wanted him to be safe
I never called the police I swear
We drove to the CPS place I went to the last time
They sent me back last time
Would this be the last time?
I still remember how she looked walking into that room where she'd sign me away forever
I'm still sorry