After speaking with Nora and the child therapist, I told the prosecutor that minimizing Hailey’s involvement mattered deeply to me.

I also wanted clear protections and a record that reflected the seriousness of what had happened.

The eventual hearing took place on a cold morning.

I sat in the courtroom while the judge reviewed the agreement.

Brenda stood beside her attorney, looking smaller than I remembered.

Her hair was tied back, and she kept her hands folded in front of her.

When asked to acknowledge the conduct specified in the agreement, she answered quietly.