The judge continued, outlining the next steps, including assessments and further hearings, and when Joel attempted to interrupt, she silenced him with a single look.
“The priority of this court is the well being of the child,” she said. “That is not subject to negotiation.”
When the hearing ended, people gathered their files quietly, conversations subdued, and Joel approached us near the exit, his face pale, his composure fractured.
“I never meant to hurt her,” he said, his voice breaking. “I did not think she understood.”
I met his eyes, exhaustion and resolve settling in my chest.
“This is not the moment,” I replied softly.
He nodded, stepping back, and watched us leave without another word.
Outside the courthouse, the air felt warmer, the sky brighter, as though the world had resumed its motion now that the truth was no longer trapped inside that room. I knelt in front of Phoebe, brushing her hair back gently.
“You were very brave,” I said. “Why did you keep this to yourself.”
She looked down, her voice small. “He said you would be upset. I did not want you to be sad or fight more.”
Tears finally burned my eyes as I pulled her into my arms.