Mila’s small voice piped up, confused. “Mommy… Rex won’t let me go.”

I scooped her into my arms, feeling her tiny body tremble. “It’s okay, baby. You’re safe now.”

And then I heard it—the low rumble of a car engine. Seconds later, a vehicle rolled past the open gate. My stomach dropped. Half a minute more, half a step further, and my little girl could have been in the path of that car.

I turned to Rex, my voice breaking. “You knew… didn’t you?”