Military dad Peter returns home early to find daughter Melissa sleeping on the kitchen floor. Discovering Linda, his wife, and her sons away on a luxury vacation, he learns of Melissa’s mistreatment. Linda had moved Melissa to the kitchen months ago, locking her in, and left for a weekend, fearing theft. Neighbor Karen, aware of Melissa’s situation, brings her food. Peter confronts Linda upon her return, revealing the mistreatment and filing for divorce.
“Linda took the boys to Florida for the weekend to celebrate Kyle’s birthday,” Melissa explained. “So she left me some sandwiches and locked me in here because she thinks I’d steal her things.”
Neighbor Karen confirms her suspicions when Peter introduces himself: “I knew Melissa was left alone. She’d always say she couldn’t open the door to anyone, but I knew something was very wrong.”
On Sunday, Linda and her sons return to find their belongings on the lawn. Peter calmly informs them of the move to the garage: “You and the boys can move those mattresses into the garage, which is where you will be living from now on.”
Linda threatens legal action, but Peter stands firm: “I called the police and they saw how Melissa was living. You try anything, and you go to jail for child abuse.”
Months later, Peter starts dating Karen, giving Melissa hope for a new, loving mom.
