She told me to stay calm and promised that we would get through the difficult process together as long as we remained honest. The court date was set for the following month and Macy sensed the tension even though she did not know the specific legal details.
She became unusually quiet and stopped humming while she brushed her teeth or dancing in the middle of the living room like she used to do. On the morning of the hearing, I dressed Macy in a light blue dress that she always called her sky dress because it made her feel happy.
She held her favorite stuffed toy tightly as we drove toward the large stone courthouse located in the center of the city. “Mommy, if the judge asks me a question today, can I please answer him honestly?” she asked me suddenly while looking out the window.
I glanced at her through the rearview mirror and told her that of course she could tell the truth to the judge. The courtroom smelled like old wood and dusty paper when we finally walked inside to take our seats at the table.