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Child Protective Services came shortly after, and they took Addison’s case seriously. She was placed in a safe environment where she could begin her journey of healing. But, it was clear she wasn’t ready to let go of me. That’s when the legal system made an unexpected decision — they offered me temporary custody. It was a slow, careful process: court hearings, counseling sessions, and countless conversations to ensure Addison was in the right place, both physically and emotionally.
Over time, what started as a desperate cry for help from a frightened little girl grew into a lasting bond. We both began to heal in different ways. The more time I spent with Addison, the more I found myself attached to her, and the more she began to trust me. Over the years, that temporary custody became a permanent connection, and I took on the role of not just a guardian, but someone who loved her like family.
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