Alone With the Judge

Olive’s hands felt clammy as she stepped into the judge’s chambers, her stomach churning with nerves. The judge greeted her with a kind smile and gestured toward a chair. “Make yourself comfortable. There’s no need to be nervous,” she said softly. But despite the warmth in her voice, the girl couldn’t shake her unease.

The room felt too quiet, too serious. The judge opened a small fridge in the corner, pulled out a juice box, and handed it to the girl. After a moment, she began asking gentle but pointed questions about the Quinns and life in their home. Olive answered each one quickly, keeping her responses short and guarded.