PART 15

The first court hearing was small and formal, nothing like the arguments I’d imagined from television.

Curtis wore a gray suit and brought an attorney.

I sat beside Hannah Pierce with a folder of records and a knot in my stomach.

The judge had received written materials about Sadie’s hospitalization and the safety concerns being assessed.

Because aspects of the child-protection review remained ongoing, not every allegation could be resolved that day.

My attorney focused on the temporary arrangements: Sadie was recovering from surgery, had expressed fear of being left alone with Curtis, and required reliable access to follow-up care.