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

Their acne is severe

A person should see a dermatologist if they have cysts, nodules, and deep, painful acne. They have late-onset or persistent acne: Late-onset acne may occur in adults…

Young Triplets Vanished in 1981, 30 Years Later Their Mom Makes a Shocking Discovery

Young Triplets Vanished in 1981, 30 Years Later Their Mom Makes a Shocking Discovery

Young Triplets Vanished in 1981 — 30 Years Later Their Mom Makes a Shocking Discovery…On the night of June 14, 1981, the small town of Willow Creek…

My Date Paid for Dinner, But What Happened Next Left Me Shocked!

My Date Paid for Dinner, But What Happened Next Left Me Shocked!

When my best friend Mia insisted on setting me up with her boyfriend’s friend, I hesitated. Blind dates were never really my thing—too unpredictable, too awkward. But…

Walmart Shoppers: Must-Know Tips for Your Next Visit

Walmart Shoppers: Must-Know Tips for Your Next Visit

For decades, Walmart has been a cornerstone of American retail, known for affordability, variety, and convenience. In recent years, self-checkout lanes became a central part of the…

The Lunch That Reminded Me What Kindness Truly Means

The Lunch That Reminded Me What Kindness Truly Means

I stopped by McDonald’s for a quick bite and overheard a mom talking to her little girl. The girl said softly, “Can we eat here, please?” They…

A Country Star’s Journey

A Country Star’s Journey

Country music has long been a genre that celebrates life’s triumphs, struggles, and heartfelt stories. From tales of love and loss to dreams realized and obstacles overcome,…