Days turned into weeks, and the trial became a slow, relentless erosion.

Every morning the living room transformed again: tight webcam on Genesis alone, soft daylight behind her.

Genesis testified again and again. Her voice stayed steady, but her hands trembled more each day. The hematoma hadn’t worsened, but the stress was carving hollows under her eyes.

The AUSA had told her after Grant’s first brutal cross:

“Be tough, Genesis. Don’t give in to his tactics. Don’t let him see you crack. Answer truthfully, stay calm, look at the camera like you’re looking at Monica. You’re not the scared girl anymore. You’re the survivor. You’ve got this.”

And she tried....