Nora steps down, and I want to run to her, pull her into my arms, and tell her she was perfect. But we're in a courtroom, so I catch her hand as she sits beside me and squeeze tight.
The afternoon continues with closing arguments. Jessica'slawyer paints her as a sympathetic figure—a young mother who made mistakes but deserves a second chance. He emphasizes biology, maternal rights, and rehabilitation.
Ms. Chen's closing is different. She focuses on Harper, on what's best for the child, on the nine months of documented evidence showing Harper thriving under my care.
“Your Honor, this court has heard from medical experts, from social workers, from Mr. West, and from Ms. Collins. You have heard about Harper’s first smile, her first tooth, her first words. You have heard about the schedule that keeps her thriving and the people who maintain it. And you have not heard one word from anyone about Ms. Torres being present for any of it.”
She lets that sit.
“The question is not Ms. Torres’s progress. The question is Harper. And the evidence is unambiguous.”
Judge Morrison listens to both closings, taking notes, her expression unreadable.
At four-thirty, she adjourns.
"I'll review all the evidence and testimony carefully. You'll have my decision within one week. The court is dismissed."
One week.
Seven days of not knowing whether I keep Harper or lose her.
Seven days of hell.
Nora and I walk out of the courthouse holding hands so tight I'm cutting off her circulation. Ms. Chen catches up with us in the parking lot.
"You both did excellently," she says. "The testimony was strong; the evidence is overwhelming. I feel good about this."
"But?"
"But it's a judge's decision, and you never know for certain. Go home. Be with Harper. Try not to spiral while we wait."
Try not to spiral.Right.Because that's possible when your entire future is in someone else's hands.
The drive home is quiet. Nora's staring out the window, and I can see tears on her cheeks.
"Red—"
"I should've said more. I should've been stronger when he attacked me?—"
"You were perfect. You told them exactly what they needed to hear." I reach across the console, linking our fingers again. "Family is who shows up. That's what you said. And you were right."
"What if it's not enough?"
"Then we appeal and keep fighting. But Nora—" I wait until she looks at me. "Whatever happens, we're in this together. All three of us. That doesn't change."
"What if they take her?"
The question I've been avoiding thinking about for two days.
"Then we fight to get her back, for however long it takes. But I don't think that's going to happen. The judge saw the evidence. She heard the testimony. She knows who's been caring for Harper."
"One week," Nora whispers.
"One week. Then we know."
We pull into the driveway, and Michelle's waiting on the porch with Harper. Our daughter sees us through the window and starts bouncing excitedly in Michelle's arms, her face lighting up.
That's family. That reaction. That joy at seeingus.