I faced the judge. “I’m not trying to save everyone. I’m trying to keep my family together.”
The judge leaned forward. “Son, do you understand what you’re asking for?”
“Not fully, Your Honor,” I said. “But I have to do it. For them and for my parents.”
The courtroom went still.
I swallowed. “I know Tommy’s inhaler schedule. I know Benji hides food when he’s scared. I know Sybil gets mean when she’s hungry. I know Ethan and Adam need space. I know Lila and Phoebe sleep with the hallway light on.”
“I’m trying to keep my family together.”
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Lila broke first. “I don’t want Aunt Denise. I want Rowan.”
Phoebe nodded hard. “Me too.”
Then Tommy burst into tears, and Benji followed, and even Adam covered his face.
***
Two weeks later, temporary guardianship became mine.
I celebrated by throwing up in the courthouse bathroom.
After that, life became a list of groceries, bills, shoes, permission slips, nightmares, and who had lied about having nightmares.
“I don’t want Aunt Denise. I want Rowan.”
