The courtroom was silent, heavy with tension. My heart pounded as I watched Zaden—just a child—prepare to speak. He clutched his phone nervously, then looked up. “Can I play something for you, Your Honor?” he asked, his voice small but steady.
The judge nodded. Zaden hit play.
When the recording ended, the judge leaned forward. “Thank you, Zaden. I appreciate your honesty.”
The room seemed to shift. Damian, once confident, now looked unsure. The judge turned to him, tone firm. “Mr. Carter, it’s clear this is about more than preference. We’ll need to review custody more carefully.”
I exhaled, relief washing over me. Zaden had bravely spoken the truth in a room full of adults. I reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Whatever came next, we’d face it together.
