They were seven chairs around a table where no one had to ask whether they belonged.

PART 12

The first review hearing came sooner than any of us wanted.

Victoria had prepared me for difficult questions.

The court would want to know about inspections, supervision, school attendance, medical appointments, the children’s progress, and whether I was overwhelmed.

I was overwhelmed.

I said so before anyone could ask.

‘I don’t always get it right,’ I told Patricia during her home visit.