Then the judge asked if anyone else wished to speak.
Before my lawyer could answer, a chair scraped against the floor.
Jeffrey stood up.
My heart nearly stopped.
Public speaking terrified him.
But he walked slowly to the center of the courtroom.
George followed right beside him.
Vanessa smiled confidently, as if the moment belonged to her.
Jeffrey looked at the judge.
Then he turned and stared directly at Vanessa.
He took a deep breath.
And said five quiet words.
“You left us on purpose.”
The courtroom fell silent.
You could have heard a pin drop.
Vanessa’s smile vanished.
Jeffrey continued, his voice steady.
“You didn’t lose us. You didn’t try to find us. You didn’t call. You didn’t send a letter.”
George stepped forward beside his brother.
“You dropped us off like garbage,” he added softly.
A murmur rippled through the courtroom.
