The Things Children Say

Kayla says she fell. Her teacher knows there is more she cannot yet say.

Eight-year-old Kayla Reed watches her father’s moods, checks the house for mistakes, and tries to become a child who never gives him a reason to be angry.

At school, she offers quick explanations for her bruises. But her teacher, Mara Jennings, notices the pain behind ordinary movements—and the fear behind answers that come too quickly.

As Mara reports her concerns, Kayla faces a frightening uncertainty: what happens if someone listens, and what happens if nothing changes?

The Things Children Say by Mia Bills is emotionally powerful contemporary fiction about child abuse, the courage to speak, and the responsibility of adults to recognize when a child needs protection.

A story about listening carefully, acting on concern, and remembering the whole child beyond the harm they have endured.

She shouldn’t have to find perfect words before someone takes her pain seriously.

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Content note: Includes physical and emotional child abuse, threats, intimidation, nightmares, and trauma.

Digital ebook. No physical book will be shipped.

Cover: 100% AI

Content: 70-80% writer

Category: Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Secular Fiction

File Format: PDF, EPUB

Word Count: 9,300

Rating: PG-13