I hated opening it.

I hated even more that it was so thin compared with a lifetime that should have been spent making memories.

I called the legal aid clinic that had helped me after the accident.

The attorney I had met then had moved away, but a new advocate listened without interrupting.

I described Brandon’s visit, his family’s wealth, and his request for access to Harper.

She explained that relatives could ask a court to consider contact or guardianship, but a wealthy surname by itself did not erase an existing legal arrangement.