I Was 29 and Single When I Fought to Keep Five Siblings Together. The Judge Asked Why, and My Answer Changed Everything.

‘Mia still wakes some nights.

Eli hasn’t settled at preschool.

Nora gets quiet when anyone mentions the future.

Sophie has an appointment about her speech.

Lucas acts like a second adult when he’s worried.

And sometimes I’m so tired I put the cereal in the fridge.’

Patricia made a note.

‘What do you do when you reach that point?’