Brent understood that getting professional medical advice was the most important thing he could do.

“We’re going to leave now. Get your shoes, sweetheart. Stay close to me, and we’ll make sure everything is okay.”

Tyler stood immediately and reached for his sneakers.

“Is she just sleeping?”

Brent gave him a reassuring look.

“She’s not feeling her best, buddy. We’re going to see someone who can help her feel better.”

As he carried Annie toward the entrance, Brent glanced briefly into the kitchen.

An opened cereal carton sat on the countertop, several dishes remained in the sink, and the refrigerator contained very few groceries.

There was little available for the children to prepare a simple meal.

Near the sink stood a small plastic cup with a little juice remaining inside.

Brent looked around the kitchen, trying to understand what had happened during the past few days.

He had believed the children were enjoying a comfortable week with their mother.