I believed the first part might be true.

I had no idea what the second would require.

Then the magistrate asked if I wanted to speak.

I felt my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth.

I’d prepared a short statement with my lawyer and read it with my hands gripping the paper.

“I don’t want to be punished for saying no to something I didn’t do,” I said.

“I want to know that the adults where I live will listen when I say I am in danger.”