When my neighbor Thomas died, I tried to support his grieving family, especially his young daughter, Riley. Thomas’s new wife, Carmen, seemed kind at first, but I grew suspicious of her treatment of Riley. I had to protect the little girl. I was a teacher in a friendly neighborhood where everyone looked out for each other. Thomas had been raising Riley alone after his first wife, Martha, passed away. After marrying Carmen, he hoped things would improve,

but tragedy struck again when Thomas died in a car accident. Carmen, though devastated, seemed more focused on her own life than on Riley.One afternoon, Riley, now silent and distant, told me Carmen often sent her outside to play while Carmen entertained a man named Roger. Riley seemed neglected, missing the love and attention she once had. I started looking out for Riley, offering her a safe space to play, and giving her the warmth and care she needed. Soon, Riley came to me every day,