Part 2
For three long seconds, nobody moved.
My cheek burned, but the pain barely registered compared to the ache inside my chest when I saw Lily covering her mouth with her tiny hands. My sister Rachel pulled her close, whispering comfort into her ear, but Lily kept staring at me like she had just watched the world split apart.
The bailiff guided Patricia backward, though she fought him every step.
“This is outrageous!” Patricia screamed. “She provoked me! She’s been trying to destroy my son since the beginning!”
Judge Whitaker looked toward the bailiff. “Remove Mrs. Harper from the courtroom.”
Patricia’s eyes widened instantly. “You cannot remove me. I’m a witness.”
“You are also someone who committed assault inside my courtroom,” the judge replied sharply.
Ryan finally stood up. “Your Honor, please. My mother is under tremendous stress.” MotherhoodJourney Journal
Judge Whitaker turned toward him slowly. “Sit down, Mr. Harper.”
Ryan sat immediately.
