Chapter 13 - The Trial Where I Finally Spoke My Mothers Name Out Loud
The courthouse smelled of paper and coffee.
I had never liked crowded rooms.
That morning I stood before a full courtroom.
I wore a blue blouse.
The one my aunt helped me choose.
Agent Reyes sat behind the prosecutor.
Mara sat beside me.
Dante was across the aisle.
He did not try to catch my eye.
When I was called, I stood.
My hands trembled against the witness rail.
I told the jury about the clinic.
About my mother's work.
About the false death certificate.
I explained the photographs.
The letters.
The birthday card.
Victor's attorney questioned my memory.
I answered only what I knew.
“I was a child,” I said.
“I cannot tell you what I never saw.”
Then I looked at the jury.
“But I can tell you what happened to me.”
The room stayed quiet.
For once, the silence did not frighten me.
I finished my testimony.
Outside, reporters shouted questions.
I kept walking.
May you like
My story belonged to me.
I no longer needed anyone's permission to tell it.
