I thanked her.

Then I sat in the truck for several minutes, looking at my hands.

I had imagined this call would bring relief.

Instead, I felt grief for the family I thought I had built and fear about what the next months would demand of Hailey.

Megan assured me that they would consider the child’s welfare in scheduling and in any decisions about testimony.

She could not promise that Hailey would never need to participate, but specialized procedures and support services were available.