“It is about whether mere affection can compensate for a severe, continuing lack of stability, financial competence, and environmental safety.”

My hand tightened around the edge of the table until my fingernails bit into the wood.

Judge Harlan, a stern man with deeply lined features, peered down through wire-rimmed glasses. “Proceed, Mr. Carroway.”

With a theatrical flourish, the attorney lifted a large, glossy photograph mounted on foam board.

He set it on an easel facing the judge, then turned it so the gallery could see.

It was a picture of Nolan, taken three days earlier as he walked home from school. He was wearing the exact same navy-blue shirt he had on today.