The moment hung heavy in the air, like the stillness between thunder and lightning. My heart pounded like a frantic drum as I waited for Zaden to speak. I could only imagine the weight he felt—just a child, thrust into a world of adult decisions and courtroom tension.
His small shoulders carried more than they ever should have. Zaden shifted in his seat, nervously toying with the phone in his hand. Then, he cleared his throat—a small but resolute sound that cut through the silence.
“Your Honor,” he said, voice steady yet laced with innocence, “can I play something for you?”
The judge tilted his head, intrigued. “What is it you’d like to show us, Zaden?”
Zaden looked over at me. I gave him a weak but encouraging smile, silently hoping whatever he was about to do wouldn’t backfire.
With a quick swipe, he unlocked his phone and began scrolling. “Last night,” he said, “my dad and I talked. He told me to say I wanted to live with him.
What happened next changed everything…
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