Judge Harmon brings the gavel down, one firm stroke.

“Temporary full custody of all five children is granted to Mr.

Bernard Holt.” He pauses, and adds, not as a formality, but as if he means it personally: “Take good care of them, son.

This court believes you will.”

I don’t remember walking to the back of the room.

I remember the doors opening, and the oldest boy looking up at me with a question all over his face, and me getting down on my knees on the courtroom floor so I’d be his height when I told him: nobody’s getting split up.

Not today.