“Sit down, Mr.

Mitchell,” Judge Miller ordered, her tone dropping into a sharp, cold register.

Daniel stayed on his feet for two seconds before sinking slowly back into his chair.

“Mr.

Mitchell, this court finds your conduct toward your daughter’s medical care abhorrent,” Judge Miller said, reading straight from the hospital affidavit in front of her.

The courtroom was completely silent except for the faint hum of the air vent near the high windows.

“You forged your wife’s legal signature to walk a sick child out of an emergency room,” Judge Miller said, her voice dropping lower with every word.