I only said, “Thank you for starting to tell the truth.”

It was enough for that afternoon.

PART 12

The first temporary parenting hearing took place on a gray morning in Franklin County.

I wore a dark green dress Marisol had found pressed in the back of her closet.

Miles stayed with her at home, where he could nap without a courtroom full of strangers.

Kyle entered with Sandra and two lawyers.

Sandra looked at me with the indulgent disappointment she usually reserved for a child who had spilled juice.