Vanessa’s lawyer jumped up.
“Objection—”
But the judge raised a hand.
“Let them finish.”
Jeffrey turned back to the judge.
“Our grandma didn’t just take care of us,” he said. “She built a whole life for us.”
George nodded.
“She went to every school meeting. Every soccer game. Every science fair.”
Jeffrey’s voice wavered slightly.
“When we had nightmares about Dad… she stayed up with us all night.”
The judge listened quietly.
Then Jeffrey said the words that changed everything.
“We don’t want a new life.”
George squeezed his brother’s hand.
“We already have one.”
The silence that followed felt enormous.
Even Vanessa looked shaken.
The judge leaned forward slightly.
“How old are you boys?” he asked gently.
“Almost twelve,” George answered.
The judge nodded slowly.
“That’s old enough for your voices to matter.”
He turned toward Vanessa.
“Ten years is a very long absence.”
Vanessa tried to speak, but no words came out.
The judge folded his hands.
“Custody is denied.”
A gasp spread through the room.
The judge continued.
“However, supervised visitation may be arranged if the boys wish.”
He looked at Jeffrey and George.
“That decision will be yours.”
