Moments later, after a brief exchange, the officers guided the man outside to sort things out. The diner fell silent except for the low buzz of the jukebox.

Emma sat perfectly still for a moment before finally whispering, “I was scared he’d get mad if I said something.”

Mark knelt beside her. “Hey,” he said gently, “you were really brave. Writing that word took courage. You trusted someone — and that’s what helped.”

She nodded, wiping her eyes with the back of her sleeve. “Mom told me if I ever felt scared, I should ask for help, even if it’s just with my finger.”