Worried for my daughter’s safety, I quickly called the police. They arrived within minutes and carefully approached the house. After what felt like an eternity, they came out with the two strangers in handcuffs.
My daughter ran out to me, tears streaming down her face, and hugged me tightly. “Dad, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “I was trying to protect you. Those men broke in just before you arrived, and I didn’t know what to do. I was so scared you might get hurt.”
Relief flooded over me as I held her close. “It’s alright, sweetheart. I’m just glad you’re safe.”The police took our statements and assured us that the intruders would face justice.
My daughter and I spent the rest of the day together, turning what began as a scary situation into the most memorable birthday I could have asked for.