Martin, "The child was only a means to the
end of harming the mother’s interests."
hit me - bc of a court case from 35 years ago.
As we all know, there are far too many stories where children are pawns of sick people being evil.
When it is familial, I believe it's the worst.
They forget about love; they forget the vows they made, and for whatever reason, they allow evil to overtake them.
Your article brought tears to my eyes upon my first reading so I will re-read for new insight into familial crimes and the ramifications on the victims. It's very important.
Thank you and God bless.

What a good friend you are to that mother and child to fight this battle. No matter what happens, that child will know that both of you fought for her. It might not mean much for years to come, but it will. Talk to any devastated adult who was in a situation as a child and a parent walked away and it is a wound that never really heals. You had some very thoughtful interpretations that I have not come across before, thank you.