Born Again to Fight

My adopted daughters, Ashley and Emily, were supposed to be our pride and joy.

We had given them everything, a loving home, a future.

But then, the memory hit me like a physical blow: the boot flying towards my face, the crushing weight on my chest, the screams, the smell of gasoline and fire.

I jolted awake, gasping, only to see Mark breathing softly beside me, the digital clock glowing 3:17 AM.

My heart hammered.

It wasn't a dream.

I remembered the whispers turning to shouts: "Child abusers!

He got them pregnant!"