Saturday afternoon arrived,
Sandra Mills from CPS.
"Mr. Quinn-Park?"
"Yes. Please, come in."
The next two hours were grueling.
Questions about everything—work schedule, childcare, the twins' education, medical care, discipline methods, diet, safety protocols.
Sandra inspected every room, checked smoke detectors, looked in cabinets and the refrigerator.
When the twins came home (Asher's father had been keeping them occupied at the park), Sandra interviewed them.
"Kai, Lily, can you tell me about living here with your fer-daddy?"
Kai launched into an enthusiastic description. "Fer-daddy is the BEST! He makes pancakes on Sundays and reads us stories every night and helps with homework even when he's tired from work—"
"Do you feel safe here?" Sandra asked gently.
"Of course!" Kai looked confused by the question. "Fer-daddy keeps us safe from everything."
