“Stay calm,” she whispered. “Answer only what he asks.”
I took the stand.
My hands felt too large for the wooden rail.
“Carter, you work as a carpenter, correct?” Daniel asked.
“Yes, sir. I have worked at the same shop for 11 years.”
“And you converted part of that property into bedrooms for five children?”
“I built bunk beds along the north wall. I insulated the rooms, completed the safety work, and arranged for inspections. I also contacted a pediatrician before this hearing.”
“That is commendable. However, you have no wife, no partner, and no living parents listed in your file. Why would a young man in his prime willingly take on this kind of responsibility and debt?”
“Because they need someone.”
“Many children need someone, Carter. You did not petition for any other children. You petitioned for these five. Why?”
I looked past him.
Eli sat in the back row with the youngest child on his lap.
One of his small hands rested against his sister’s back to keep her steady.
“Because they’re siblings,” I said.
“Many siblings are separated every year in this state,” Daniel replied. “That fact alone is not a sufficient legal argument.”
“It should be.”
He almost smiled.
“Carter, there are unexplained gaps in your background between the ages of nine and 17. The court should understand those years before it places five children in your care.”
The room became so quiet that I could feel the silence in my ribs.
