AUTHORS POV

It was a very gloomy morning , the sun had barely broken through the narrow windows of Courtroom 4 when Tessa arrived, her shoulders slouched but hollow with dread.

It was the sixth week of the custody battle, and each hearing had chipped away at her confidence until now, when the final judgement would be delivered. Her lawyer, Señorita Lasandra, gave her a reassuring nod as they passed the subdued marble columns.

Clarissa stood in the back pew, her hand gripping the edge of the bench. She caught Tessa’s eye and managed a small, encouraging smile. Near her, three social workers and the family court officer sat apart,...