They Were About to Split Up Five Kids Under Seven. The One Man Willing to Take All Five Knew Exactly What That Does to a Child

Then he turns to the state’s attorney.

“Does the state,” he asks, and his voice isn’t quite steady, “have any further objection?”

The state’s attorney looks down at his notes.

He looks at me.

Then he does a decent thing I have never forgotten — he doesn’t hide behind procedure.

He folds his notes closed.

“No, Your Honor,” he says quietly.

“The state withdraws its objection.”