In court, my ex said, “my son wants to live with me.” the judge asked my son, “is that true?” my son stood up, pulled out his phone, and asked, “may I play the recording from last night?” the judge froze.

The courtroom was quiet, not the kind of quiet that feels peaceful, but the kind that makes your heart thump louder than it should. My son, Zaden, sat just a few feet away from me, his little legs swinging off the edge of the wooden bench. He was only eight, but his face was older that day, like he’d aged in the minutes we’d been sitting there.

Damian, my ex-husband, stood tall beside his lawyer. He wore that same smirk he always did when he thought he was winning. He looked straight ahead, not at me, not at our son.

The judge adjusted his glasses, flipped through a few papers, and finally looked up. “Mr. Carter,” he said, “you’re asking for a change in custody. You’ve told this court your son has expressed a desire to live with you. Is that correct?”

Damian nodded confidently. “Yes, Your Honor. Zaden told me he’s not comfortable in his current living situation. He said he wants to live with me full-time.”

My stomach turned. I looked at Zaden. His hands were folded tightly in his lap. I wanted to reach for him, to shield him somehow, but I couldn’t move.

Related Posts

House Approves ‘Take It Down’ Act to Combat Deepfake Revenge Imagery

House Approves ‘Take It Down’ Act to Combat Deepfake Revenge Imagery

The House passed the Take It Down Act 409–2, criminalizing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual content. The law targets deepfake porn, requiring platforms to remove flagged content within 72…

Donald Trump calls for investigation over

Donald Trump calls for investigation over

UN Escalator Mishap Donald and Melania Trump got “stuck” on an escalator at the UN when it suddenly stopped. Videos show them stepping onto stairs instead, holding…

“From Tidy to Spotless: How to Detect Real Cleanliness” Blog K · September 25, 2025 · 0 Comment

“From Tidy to Spotless: How to Detect Real Cleanliness” Blog K · September 25, 2025 · 0 Comment

When Tidy Isn’t Enough Visiting someone’s home often gives the impression of a tidy, well-organized space. However, appearances can be deceiving. A quick cleanup may create order…

Why Hard-Boiled Eggs Sometimes Get a Green Ring

Why Hard-Boiled Eggs Sometimes Get a Green Ring

A green or gray ring around a hard-boiled egg yolk is caused by a harmless reaction between sulfur in the white and iron in the yolk. Overcooking…

These are the consequences of sleeping with

These are the consequences of sleeping with

Engaging in intimacy with someone who doesn’t value or respect you can have lasting emotional consequences. While such encounters may initially seem harmless or pleasurable, they often…

19-year-old cadet at Air Force Academy found deceased in her dormitory

19-year-old cadet at Air Force Academy found deceased in her dormitory

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in October 2024. Cadet Avery Koonce Passes Away Avery Koonce, 19, of Tyler, Texas, tragically died…