Chapter 13 - The Temporary Protection Order
We sought a civil protection order.
Not because Ambrose threatened to kidnap Callum.
Because he continued minimizing and requested access.
His first text to Rafferty after police interview:
I will not apologize for teaching your son emotional regulation.
Second:
You are allowing Delphine to turn one correction into abuse.
Third:
Bring him to me and I’ll explain so he stops being afraid.
No.
Our lawyer advised temporary no-contact terms while investigation proceeded.
The court granted limited order based on confinement allegations and ongoing insistence on unsupervised explanation.
Ambrose could not contact Callum directly.
No attending school.
No appearing at our home.
Communication through counsel or Rafferty on adult matters.
He called it:
“exile.”
I called it:
space.
Callum called it:
“Grandpa can’t come?”
“Yes.”
“Ever?”
“Right now.”
“Because cage?”
“Yes.”
He looked relieved.
Then guilty.
“Grandma sad.”
“You do not have to fix Grandma.”
Another lesson repeated often.
May you like
Children are not emotional repair crews.
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