We had just finished packing when Mia, still teary-eyed, clung tightly to my hand, terrified I might leave her behind.
Sophia held Albert in her arms, a backpack slung over her shoulder.
"Mom! Sophia's taking Albert away!" one of the kids shrieked, shattering the peace in the room and snapping Billy's sister and mother out of their TV trance.
They spun around, their faces twisted in anger.
"Hey! You i***t! Where are you taking him?"
"And who's this woman and the little girl?"
Sophia raised her chin defiantly and announced, "I'm taking Albert to a treatment center."
Billy's mother leaped out of her chair and charged at us to grab Albert.
"You crazy woman! You want to take him? Over my dead body! Give him to me!"
"He needs a doctor!" Sophia shot back, her voice cracking with despera
