***
The next morning, I wore the only suit that didn't press against my scar.
Nick arrived with Daniel, polished and confident. They didn't acknowledge me.
Inside the courtroom, I felt small.
Daniel spoke as if he'd rehearsed every syllable. "My client has been the primary financial provider. Rachel has demonstrated erratic behavior, vindictiveness, and instability following major surgery."
I gripped the edge of the table. Of course, I was emotional. I'd lost a kidney and a marriage in the same week.
"Rachel has demonstrated erratic behavior."
When I tried to speak, Daniel objected.
"Speculation."
"Emotional conjecture."
"Irrelevant."
The judge nodded.
I wanted to scream. Without representation, I barely had the power to finish a sentence.
When I tried to speak, Daniel objected.
Then Chloe's voice unexpectedly broke through the tension.
"Your Honor? May I say something?"
Every head turned.
She stood from the bench beside my sister. My baby looked so small, but she wasn't shaking.
"Can I show you something that my mom doesn't know about? Please?"
The judge studied her carefully. "Young lady, you understand you're under oath? That whatever you show or say must be the truth?"
"Can I show you something that my mom doesn't know about?"
