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I DIDN’T MEET THE CHILDREN BEFORE COURT

That was intentional.

Elena did not want them introduced to another possible adult before anyone knew whether the placement had a realistic chance.

Too many adults already entered and exited children’s lives through the system.

So I knew them only from case summaries.

Mason loved dinosaurs.

Grace hated bananas.

Theo slept with a blue blanket.

Evie said only about twenty words.

June was beginning to pull herself upright.

That was it.

Facts.

Boxes.

Notes.

Then court day arrived.

And they were real.

Mason was smaller than I expected.

Grace wore sparkly purple sneakers.

Theo held a stuffed dog by one ear.

Evie had curls covering half her face.

June sat in a stroller chewing on the sleeve of her sweater.

I stopped walking.

Elena noticed.

“You okay?”

“No.”

“That’s a normal answer.”

I watched Mason.

“He keeps counting them.”

Elena looked.

“I know.”

“How long has he been doing that?”

“Since the emergency placement.”

My chest tightened.

“He’s six.”

“I know.”

“He shouldn’t have to count children.”

Elena’s expression softened.

“No.”

“He shouldn’t.”