After years of difficulty and hardship, Laura finally managed to fulfill her dream and adopt the little girl. It did not even matter to her that the girl refused to speak at first. Laura had no problem learning her her first words. But when she finally spoke those first words, they changed Laura’s life forever. She suddenly felt deep regret for adopting this child. Laura had no idea how she was supposed to handle this… It was anything but an easy process for Laura to finally be able to adopt the little baby girl she had always dreamt of adding to her little family. She could understand why all the adoption criteria were so strict, but it was very frustrating to deal with as she was so sure she was a perfect fit for the child. Even though her situation was not very typical for people looking to adopt… Laura’s last relationship had ended 3 years ago. She had been with her then-boyfriend Cristian for about 8 years before finally walking away from him. They even had a son together, whom Laura now had full custody of. And this was for every good reason as those years together with Christian were anything but pleasant for Laura and her son Noah… Throughout most of the relationship, Christian had been abusive to Laura and completely controlling over her life. She had been afraid to walk away from him for so long because she feared what he might do to their son. But with much help and support from her family, including a big effort to get evidence of Christian’s action, she finally felt confident enough to go to the police. Right now, Christian is in jail serving a 10-year sentence. A decent ending to this horror story, but not an ending that makes Laura forget everything that happened in those years. And these experiences had left a mark on her. She felt like she could never trust a boyfriend or man ever again. And so she swore that she would stay single for the rest of her life. But Laura did still have a dream… Laura was very happy with her son Noah, but ever since she was a little girl, all she had wanted was a daughter. And seeing as she knew that she would never date anybody ever again, she felt like any hope for getting that daughter was lost. There was only one option for her and that was to try and adopt a little girl. But her situation made this anything but easy. She was alone, already having to take care of a son and most of her money came from benefits. Adoption agencies could not measure the love in her heart, just the money in her pocket. And those measures made her anything but an ideal candidate. But Laura did not let that be the end of it and tried her best to convince the adoption agency. And eventually, they reached an agreement. Laura would be allowed to adopt a child which, the adoption agency suspected, had no chance of being adopted by anybody else. And when Laura first saw the very young girl, she could not understand why. The girl was happy and smiling, cute as could be, and those little girls in her hair were just the cherry on top. How could people not be lining up to give this child a home? But the adoption agent helping Laura out quickly gave her a reason. This girl had quite a bad history. Nearly no child put up for adoption came from a perfect home. Otherwise, they would have most likely still been there. This little girl here named Diamond had an especially noteworthy past. She was the daughter of a notorious local criminal who was now serving 2 life sentences… It is completely unknown who the mother even was and the family of her father was also no option whatsoever. And so Diamond was brought to them and had been here already half a year. But seeing who her father was, nobody had been willing to give her a chance. And that was not even all that was “wrong” with this cute little girl… The little girl also did not talk. They had figured out that she was not mute, but it looked like she just completely refused to say a word or even make a sound. The adoption agency had no idea why this was as professionals could also not find a good reason for it. But it might have something to do with her past. The adoption agency had just accepted this as a given for now and did not even try to get her to speak anymore. Laura completed the adoption process quickly, signing all the necessary paperwork with determination. She sat in the office, her hand steady as she filled out each form. The adoption agent nodded approvingly, impressed by Laura’s resolve. “You’re doing a great thing,” the agent said. Laura smiled, her heart filled with hope. She couldn’t wait to bring Diamond home and start their new life together. Four days later, Diamond went home with Laura, marking the start of their new family life. Laura held Diamond’s tiny hand as they walked through the front door. “Welcome home, sweetie,” she whispered, her voice full of warmth. Diamond looked around with wide eyes, clutching her stuffed bear tightly. Noah ran up, grinning from ear to ear. “Hi, Diamond! I’m Noah,” he said eagerly, already embracing his new role as a big brother. Laura was ecstatic about the adoption, feeling like her dreams were finally coming true. She watched Diamond and Noah play together in the living room, her heart swelling with pride. “Mom, look! Diamond likes the blocks,” Noah exclaimed, his excitement contagious. Laura laughed, tears of joy in her eyes. “I’m so happy she’s here with us,” she said, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. Their home felt complete. Noah, Laura’s son, was thrilled about becoming a big brother and embraced his new role enthusiastically. He showed Diamond all his favorite toys and even shared his prized action figures. “This one’s the coolest,” he said, handing her a superhero. Diamond smiled shyly, accepting the toy. “We’re going to have so much fun,” Noah promised, his eyes shining with excitement. Laura watched, her heart full of love for her two children. The family welcomed Diamond warmly, hoping to provide her with a loving and supportive home. Laura’s parents came over, bringing homemade cookies and warm hugs. “She’s beautiful, Laura,” her mother said, tears in her eyes. “We’re so happy for you.” Diamond looked up, sensing the love surrounding her. Noah gave her a tour of the house, proudly showing off their new sister. “This is your room, Diamond,” he said, opening the door to a cozy, decorated space. Laura tried to forget Diamond’s past, focusing on helping her adapt to her new home. She spent her days making the house feel warm and inviting, filled with laughter and love. “Look, Diamond, we made pancakes!” Noah said one morning, grinning widely. Diamond smiled back, still shy but clearly happy. Laura watched, feeling a sense of accomplishment. She knew that with time, Diamond would feel completely at home. She dedicated time to encouraging Diamond to make sounds and eventually speak. Every evening, Laura read stories aloud, hoping to inspire Diamond to join in. “Can you say ‘goodnight’?” Laura asked gently, smiling encouragingly. Diamond looked at her, silent but attentive. “It’s okay, sweetie. Take your time,” Laura said, hugging her. Laura believed that patience and love would help Diamond find her voice. Laura used various methods to coax sounds from Diamond, showing patience and creativity. She sang songs, played word games, and even tried mimicking animal sounds. “What does the cat say, Diamond?” Laura meowed softly, making a game of it. Diamond giggled, her eyes brightening with interest. “Meow,” Noah chimed in, trying to encourage his sister. Laura smiled, feeling hopeful with each small step forward. Despite some progress, Diamond’s resistance to speaking remained a significant challenge. Laura noticed the frustration in Diamond’s eyes whenever she struggled to express herself. “It’s okay, honey. We’ll get there,” Laura reassured her, gently holding her hand. Noah tried to help by speaking slowly and clearly. “Say ‘block,’ Diamond,” he said, showing her a colorful block. Diamond remained silent, but Laura’s determination never wavered. Laura’s determination was unwavering, even as obstacles made the process difficult. She attended support groups and consulted speech therapists, always seeking new ways to help Diamond. “We’ll figure this out together,” she told Diamond one night, brushing her hair gently. Diamond looked at Laura, her eyes filled with trust. Laura knew that, despite the challenges, she would never give up on helping her daughter find her voice. Laura received a call from an unknown number and decided to answer despite her usual caution. “Hello?” she said, her voice wary. There was a pause before a deep voice responded. “Is this Laura?” the voice asked. Laura felt a chill run down her spine but replied, “Yes, who is this?” The voice hesitated, then said, “It’s Damian, Diamond’s father. I need to talk to you.” Laura’s heart sank, knowing this couldn’t be good. The call was from Damian, Diamond’s father, who was calling from prison and demanded to see Diamond. “You can’t keep her from me,” he said angrily. Laura clenched the phone, trying to stay calm. “Damian, you’re in prison for life,” she replied, her voice shaking. “I don’t care. I have rights,” Damian insisted. “I want weekly visits with my daughter.” Laura felt fear creeping in, unsure of what to do next. Damian threatened Laura and Noah, insisting on weekly visits with Diamond. “If you don’t bring her, I’ll make sure you regret it,” he warned. Laura’s mind raced, her hands trembling. “You can’t threaten us,” she whispered. “Watch me,” Damian replied coldly. Laura knew she had no choice. “Alright,” she said reluctantly. “I’ll bring her.” The line went dead, leaving Laura staring at the phone in disbelief. Feeling scared and without options, Laura reluctantly agrees to Damian’s demands. She sat at the kitchen table, her head in her hands. “What am I going to do?” she muttered. Noah walked in, sensing her distress. “Mom, are you okay?” he asked, worried. Laura forced a smile. “I’m fine, sweetie,” she said, hugging him tightly. But deep down, she felt a growing dread about what lay ahead. Laura dreaded the implications but knew she had to comply to protect her family. She prepared for the first visit, her stomach in knots. “This is for Diamond,” she reminded herself, trying to stay strong. As she packed a small bag for the trip, Noah watched her with concern. “Mom, are you sure about this?” he asked quietly. Laura nodded, though her heart was heavy. “We’ll get through this,” she promised, hoping it was true. Laura brought Diamond to visit Damian in prison, feeling uneasy about the situation. They walked through the heavy doors, the cold atmosphere making Laura shiver. “Stay close to me, Diamond,” she whispered, holding her daughter’s hand tightly. Diamond looked around, her eyes wide with fear. As they approached the visiting area, Laura took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She hoped this visit wouldn’t undo all the progress they had made. Damian seemed pleased to see Diamond, completely ignoring Laura’s presence. “There’s my girl,” he said with a grin, reaching out to Diamond. Laura stood back, feeling invisible. Damian’s eyes never left Diamond as he talked about how much he missed her. “I’ve been thinking about you every day,” he said softly. Diamond clung to Laura’s leg, looking scared and confused. Laura’s heart ached, wishing she could take her daughter and leave. Diamond appeared scared and unhappy during the visit, reacting negatively to her father. She refused to let go of Laura and kept her head down. “Come on, Diamond, talk to me,” Damian urged, frustration creeping into his voice. Diamond whimpered, hiding her face. Laura gently rubbed her back, trying to comfort her. “It’s okay, sweetie,” she murmured. Damian’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, the tension in the room growing thicker. Laura lied to the prison guards about the reason for the visits, following Damian’s orders. “It’s a family visit,” she told the officer at the front desk, forcing a smile. The guard looked skeptical but nodded. “Alright, you’re good to go,” he said. Laura breathed a sigh of relief as they were allowed in. She hated lying, but she felt she had no other choice. Keeping Diamond safe was all that mattered. Back home, Laura’s attempts to get Diamond to talk were less successful than before. Diamond seemed more withdrawn, her silence more pronounced. “Let’s read a story,” Laura suggested, hoping to engage her. Diamond shook her head, looking away. “It’s okay, we’ll try again later,” Laura said gently, though she felt a pang of disappointment. Noah tried to cheer Diamond up with his toys, but her eyes remained distant and sad. Laura observed that Damian’s influence hurt Diamond’s progress. She noticed how Diamond withdrew further after each visit, her little face clouded with fear. “She’s not the same,” Noah said, his eyes filled with concern. Laura nodded, feeling the weight of their situation. “I know, Noah. We need to protect her,” she replied softly. Watching Diamond struggle, Laura realized they couldn’t continue like this. Something had to change, and soon. Despite weekly prison visits, Laura noticed a growing frustration and fear in Diamond. Each visit left Diamond more agitated, her small hands trembling. “Why do we have to go, Mommy?” Noah asked one day. Laura sighed, hugging him close. “It’s complicated, honey,” she said. She watched Diamond retreat into herself, the spark in her eyes dimming. Laura knew she had to find a way to stop the visits, for Diamond’s sake. Laura decided she needed a long-term solution to protect her family from Damian. Sitting at the kitchen table, she made a list of possible options. “We can’t keep living in fear,” she muttered. Noah sat beside her, drawing pictures of a happy family. “We’ll find a way,” she assured him, determination setting in. Laura knew it would be risky, but she was ready to do whatever it took to keep her children safe. She secretly prepared to move, avoiding informing the adoption agency of her plans. Laura started packing boxes late at night, making sure not to raise any suspicions. “We have to be quiet about this,” she told Noah, who nodded solemnly. They sorted through their belongings, deciding what to take and what to leave behind. “This is our fresh start,” Laura whispered, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope. After months of preparation, Laura moved her family to a secluded countryside house. The drive was long, but Laura felt a sense of relief as they pulled up to their new home. “We’re here,” she announced, smiling at Noah and Diamond. The house was quaint and surrounded by nature, offering the peace they desperately needed. “This is our new beginning,” Laura said, hugging her children tightly. They were finally safe, or so she hoped. Laura changed her phone number, ensuring Damian couldn’t contact them anymore. She felt a weight lift as she dialed the phone company, explaining her need for a new number. “It’s done,” the operator confirmed. Laura sighed with relief. “Thank you,” she said, her voice steady. She knew this was a small but crucial step in keeping her family safe. “No more calls from him,” she assured Noah and Diamond, who looked up at her with trusting eyes. The family enjoyed a peaceful life in the countryside, away from Damian’s threats. Mornings were filled with the sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves. Noah and Diamond played outside, their laughter echoing through the fields. “This place is perfect,” Noah said, grinning as he climbed a tree. Laura watched them, feeling a sense of calm she hadn’t known in years. “We’re safe here,” she whispered to herself, enjoying the tranquility. Laura resumed efforts to help Diamond speak, noticing improved progress without Damian’s influence. She spent hours reading stories, playing word games, and singing songs. “Can you say ‘apple’?” she asked, holding up the fruit. Diamond stared at it, her lips moving slightly. “It’s okay, take your time,” Laura encouraged, smiling warmly. Slowly but surely, Diamond seemed more engaged, her eyes brightening with each new sound she attempted. Laura was desperate for Diamond to say “mommy,” seeing it as a breakthrough. Every day, she gently prompted, “Can you say ‘mommy,’ Diamond?” Her heart ached with longing each time. “Mommy loves you,” she’d say, hoping to hear the word. Noah joined in, cheering his sister on. “You can do it, Diamond!” he’d say. Laura’s hope grew with each small sign of progress, waiting for the moment she’d hear Diamond’s first word. However, Diamond had her idea for her first word, surprising Laura. One quiet afternoon, as they sat playing with blocks, Diamond looked up, her eyes serious. “Daddy,” she whispered, her voice clear. Laura froze, shock washing over her. “What did you say?” she asked, her heart pounding. “Daddy,” Diamond repeated, a tear rolling down her cheek. Laura felt a mix of emotions, her mind racing with questions and fears. Diamond finally spoke her first word, “daddy,” which shocked and saddened Laura. She had hoped for “mommy” but hearing “daddy” instead brought back all the fears she had tried to escape. “Daddy,” Diamond said again, her voice small but clear. Laura forced a smile, hiding her hurt. “That’s good, Diamond,” she said softly, but inside, her heart was breaking. She wondered what this meant for their future. Diamond repeated “daddy” frequently, often crying as she said it. Each time she uttered the word, Laura felt a pang of sorrow. “Daddy,” Diamond would whisper at bedtime, tears streaming down her cheeks. Laura held her close, trying to soothe her. “It’s okay, sweetie. Mommy’s here,” she murmured, though she knew it wasn’t enough. Diamond’s cries for her father were becoming more intense, leaving Laura feeling helpless. Laura felt conflicted, questioning if Diamond truly wanted her father. She watched Diamond play with Noah, her mind racing. “Does she miss him?” Laura wondered aloud. Noah shrugged, looking worried. “Maybe she just remembers him,” he suggested. Laura sighed, her heart heavy. She didn’t know if Diamond’s cries were a longing for her past or a cry for help. The uncertainty gnawed at her, making her question everything. For days, “daddy” was the only word Diamond would say, increasing Laura’s distress. She tried everything to encourage new words, but Diamond remained fixated. “Can you say ‘mommy’?” Laura asked gently. Diamond shook her head, tears forming. “Daddy,” she repeated, her voice breaking. Laura felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She knew they couldn’t continue like this. Something had to change, but she didn’t know what. Laura decided something needed to change to address Diamond’s fixation on her father. She sat at the kitchen table, deep in thought. “We can’t go on like this,” she told Noah. He nodded, looking serious. “What will we do?” he asked. Laura took a deep breath. “We might have to visit Damian again,” she admitted, her voice trembling. It was the last thing she wanted, but she felt it might be the only way to help Diamond. Laura reluctantly decides to visit Damian in prison to understand Diamond’s needs. She felt a mix of fear and determination as she drove to the prison. “We need to do this for Diamond,” she reminded herself. Holding Diamond’s hand tightly, they walked through the familiar gates. “Just stay close, sweetie,” Laura whispered, trying to reassure both of them. The visit felt like a step backward, but Laura hoped it might provide the answers they needed. The prison guards were surprised to see Laura and Diamond after their absence. “You’re back?” one of them asked, raising an eyebrow. Laura nodded, feeling a lump in her throat. “Yes, we need to see Damian,” she replied, her voice steady. The guard looked at Diamond and then back at Laura, nodding slowly. “Alright, follow me,” he said, leading them through the cold, sterile halls. Laura’s heart pounded with each step. Damian had been asking about Laura and Diamond, expressing his concerns. “He’s been worried,” the guard mentioned as they walked. Laura’s mind raced. What could Damian possibly be concerned about? They reached the visiting area, and the guard gestured for them to enter. “He’s inside,” he said. Laura took a deep breath, bracing herself for the encounter. She knew this conversation would be crucial for Diamond’s well-being. Laura was led to the visiting room, where Damian was already waiting, eager to see Diamond. He stood up as they entered, his eyes locking onto Diamond immediately. “There she is,” he said softly, a smile breaking across his face. Laura felt a pang of anxiety but pushed it aside. “Hello, Damian,” she said, her voice firm. Diamond clung to her leg, looking uncertain. The tension in the room was palpable as they sat down. Seeing Diamond, Damian starts crying, catching Laura off guard with his emotional response. “I’ve missed you so much,” he choked out, tears streaming down his face. Laura was stunned; she had never seen him so vulnerable. Diamond stared at him, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. Laura felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this visit could lead to some understanding and help Diamond move forward. Laura was surprised by Damian’s tears, having never seen him so vulnerable. She watched as he wiped his eyes, struggling to compose himself. “I didn’t expect this,” Laura thought, feeling a mix of emotions. She glanced at Diamond, who was also watching Damian intently. “I’m sorry,” Damian said, his voice cracking. “I just miss her so much.” Laura nodded, trying to process this unexpected display of emotion. They sat down and began talking, Laura explaining why she had returned. “Diamond kept saying ‘daddy,’” she said, her voice steady. “I thought coming here might help.” Damian listened, nodding. “I understand,” he replied. Laura felt the tension ease slightly as they continued. “I just want what’s best for her,” Laura added. Damian’s eyes softened. “So do I,” he said quietly. For the first time, Laura felt they might be on the same page. Laura admitted to fleeing but refused to reveal their new location. “We had to get away,” she said firmly. “For Diamond’s safety.” Damian sighed, looking down. “I get it,” he said. “I would have done the same.” Laura felt a flicker of relief at his understanding but remained cautious. “We can’t go back to that life,” she said. Damian nodded, his expression somber. “I don’t blame you,” he admitted. Damian understood, admitting he would have done the same in her position. “I don’t want her to grow up like that,” he confessed. Laura saw genuine regret in his eyes. “Neither do I,” she replied softly. Damian looked at Diamond, his face full of sorrow. “I’ve made so many mistakes,” he said. “But I love her more than anything.” Laura nodded, feeling a connection despite their troubled history. He acknowledged his desperation and apologized for going too far, expressing his desire to be with Diamond. “I was wrong to threaten you,” Damian said, his voice full of remorse. “I’m sorry, Laura.” She nodded, accepting his apology. “I appreciate that,” she said. Damian looked at Diamond with tears in his eyes. “I just want to be part of her life,” he said softly. Laura felt a wave of empathy, seeing his pain. Damian shared his past, explaining his criminal life and single parenthood after his girlfriend left. “I got mixed up with the wrong crowd,” he began, his voice heavy with regret. “After Diamond’s mom took off, I was all she had. I did what I thought I had to do to survive.” Laura listened, absorbing the pain and hardship in his words. She glanced at Diamond, feeling a deeper understanding of their complicated history. He expressed regret for his lifestyle but felt trapped in it, unable to escape. “I wanted to change, but every time I tried, something pulled me back,” Damian said, his eyes distant. “I hated the life I was living, but I didn’t know how to get out.” Laura nodded, feeling a mix of sympathy and sadness. “It’s hard to break free from something like that,” she said softly. Damian sighed, clearly haunted by his past. Damian recounted his arrest and Diamond being taken away, expressing deep remorse. “That day is burned into my memory,” he said, his voice breaking. “Seeing Diamond taken from me… I felt like I had failed her completely.” Tears filled his eyes as he spoke. Laura felt a lump in her throat, seeing the pain in his expression. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, understanding now why Diamond clung to the memory of her father. Laura felt a mix of empathy and sadness, recognizing the complexity of Damian’s situation. She looked at him, seeing not just a criminal, but a father who had struggled and lost. “It’s complicated, isn’t it?” she said, her voice gentle. Damian nodded, wiping his eyes. “More than you can imagine,” he replied. Laura felt her heart ache for both Damian and Diamond, realizing how intertwined their fates were. Damian’s story provided context, helping Laura understand Diamond’s attachment to him. “She’s all I have left of that time,” Damian said, his voice full of longing. “I taught her everything I could.” Laura saw the depth of his love for Diamond and understood why she held onto the word “daddy.” “She loves you,” Laura said softly. Damian smiled through his tears, nodding. “And I love her,” he whispered, the bond between them undeniable. Damian revealed Diamond’s learning disability, explaining her difficulty with language. “She’s not just quiet by choice,” he said softly. “She has a learning disability that makes it hard for her to speak.” Laura felt a pang of guilt for not knowing. “I didn’t realize,” she admitted. Damian nodded. “It’s not obvious, but it’s there. I worked with her every day, trying to help her find her voice.” Laura’s heart ached for Diamond’s silent struggles. He shared the specific method he used to teach Diamond the word “daddy.” “I used flashcards with pictures,” Damian explained. “We’d repeat the word together until she got it.” Laura could see the care and effort he had put in. “That’s why she clings to it,” she realized. Damian nodded. “It was the first word she learned. It means a lot to her.” Laura felt a deeper appreciation for the bond between father and daughter. Damian admitted his arrest disrupted Diamond’s learning process, causing her struggles. “When I got arrested, everything changed,” he said, his voice heavy with regret. “She lost her routine, her progress…everything.” Laura could see the pain in his eyes. “That must have been hard for her,” she said softly. Damian nodded. “It broke my heart to see her struggle without me there to help.” Laura felt a new determination to support Diamond. Laura and Damian made a deal: she would move back and visit weekly, and he would help teach Diamond to talk. “We need to work together for her sake,” Laura said firmly. Damian agreed. “I’ll do whatever it takes,” he promised. They shook hands, sealing their commitment. “This is for Diamond,” Laura said, feeling a glimmer of hope. Damian nodded, his eyes full of determination. “For Diamond,” he echoed, ready to make things right. This agreement aimed to balance Diamond’s needs, ensuring she received the support she required. Laura and Damian worked out a schedule, planning their visits and sessions. “We’ll make this work,” Laura said, feeling more confident. Damian smiled. “She’s worth it,” he said simply. As they put their plan into action, Laura felt a sense of peace. For the first time in a long while, she felt they were on the right path for Diamond’s future.