Chapter 21: The Courthouse Steps

I had practiced my answer in two different lives.

In the first one I had said it with a grown woman's grief and a mother's hand in mine.

In the second I had said the opposite, and it had cost me everything I had.

Now I sat in a wheelchair with a patch in my heart and the whole room waiting.

"My mom," I said.

My voice was small, and the courtroom was so quiet that it carried.

"Why, Maddy?" the judge asked gently.

"Because she's the one who was there."

"Say more, if you can."

"I picked my dad last time because I thought it would save her."

I looked at Mom.

"I was wrong. I'm sorry I said I didn't want to see you."

"I didn't mean any of it."

Mom's hand covered her mouth.

"I want to go home with her," I said. "Please."

Behind me, somebody started to cry, and it was not Mom.

It was the school nurse.

The judge put her glasses back on and read from a sheet in front of her.

She was not quick, and she did not look at anyone.

She said the court found that the petition for guardianship was unsupported, and it was denied.

She said that Maureen Eichelberger had given testimony the court did not find credible.

She said the clerk would send the transcript to the state board that handles reports of medical neglect.

She said Craig Eichelberger's sole custody was ended, effective today.

Primary custody went to Signe Eichelberger.

Craig would have Sundays, from ten to four, supervised, until the court saw proof that he was a fit father.

"Mr. Eichelberger," the judge said. "Do you understand?"

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