Outside the courthouse windows, the sun had started to shift. That late afternoon kind of light—bright but low—crawled through the glass and stretched across the courtroom floor like it was looking for something to hold on to.
Ammani wasn't shaking, not anymore. But she felt the weight of every pair of eyes locked on her. She wasn't used to that. Not like this—not in a way that demanded so much and gave so little back.
Judge Norwood leaned forward again, elbows on the bench now. The casual tone he had used earlier was gone. His voice was more formal, measured. "Miss Jefferson," he said, "I have to make my ruling based on what is best for your long-term well-being. That includes emotional, financial, and physical stability—not just who presents themselves best today."
"I understand," she replied. "But I needed to be heard today. Not because I'm trying to win anything, but because sometimes the truth gets buried under paperwork. People forget there's a person inside the file."
Celeste finally stood up. For the first time since the hearing started, she addressed Ammani directly: "I didn't come earlier because I didn't know how to... I wasn't ready to be anyone's guardian. I was still figuring out my life."
Ammani nodded once. "I know. That's why I'm not angry. I just can't afford to be someone's learning curve."
The room sank into another silence—the kind that made you feel small, even if you weren't the one on trial. Ror looked like he wanted to intervene, but he didn't, probably because nothing he said now could undo what had already been done.
Norwood looked at Deborah and Stan. "Mr. and Mrs. Greer, would you like to speak?"
Deborah shook her head gently. Stan cleared his throat, voice cracking a little. "We came here prepared to fight, but she fought for herself. I think that says more about her than anything we could say about us."
That sat heavy in the room. Real heavy.
Norwood turned his attention back to Ammani. "You've read a lot of legal documents, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then you'll know this decision won't come down today. I'll need to review the new evidence, reconvene, and make sure everything is handled the right way."
"I know," she said, standing slowly. "But now, at least you really see me. That's all I wanted."
She gathered her tote bag, slipping the lease document back inside like it was just another library paper. But it wasn't; it was a turning point, whether the adults in the room were ready to admit it or not. She walked back toward the gallery, each step quiet, but sure. But no one in that courtroom would ever see her the same way again.