« I have reviewed the case, » the judge declared. His voice carried, authoritative yet warm. « The biological father’s rights are revoked by default. The mother is deemed incapacitated. The paternal aunt’s claim is denied with a prohibition on renewal, due to a breach of her duty of care. »
He looked up at Angela.
« Mrs. Morris, you were there for these children through the darkest hours of their lives. You were their shield. Are you ready to make that permanent? To be their mother, legally, forever? »
Angela didn’t need notes. She looked at Caleb.
« From the bottom of my heart, Your Honor. They are my children. We just… took a longer path to find each other. »
The judge turned to Caleb.
« And you, young man. You have carried a heavy burden. Do you want Angela to become your mother? »
Caleb stood up. He felt tall. He finally felt seen.
« Yes, sir, » he said clearly. « She kept her promise. »
« What promise? » asked the judge.
« She promised she would stand guard so I could sleep. And she never missed a shift change. »
The judge smiled; the stern features of his face softened.
« So… I think it’s time for both of you to rest. »
He raised his hammer. *Tap.*
« In the case concerning Caleb and Eliana Benson, the adoption request is granted. From this moment on, they are the son and daughter of Angela Morris. »
The applause was polite—but for Caleb, it was a standing ovation. Angela pulled him close, burying her face in his neck, tears dampening his collar. Caleb didn’t pull away. He held on.
An hour later, the sun was splashing across the park.
Caleb stood behind the swing. Ellie laughed, drunk with joy, her little legs kicking in the air.
« Higher, Caleb! Higher! » she shouted.
« I’ve got you, » Caleb said, giving a gentle push. « I’ve got you. »
Angela sat on a bench, watching them. She saw a boy who, a year earlier, had walked into the emergency room carrying the weight of the world in his arms. He had been a ghost, a victim, a castaway.
Now he was nothing more than a boy pushing a swing.
Caleb turned to Angela and smiled. A real smile, right down to the depths of his eyes.
He was no longer afraid.
He was no longer alone.
He was finally, truly, home.
If you’d like to read more stories like this one, or if you’d like to share what you would have done in my place, I’d love to hear from you. Your perspective helps these stories reach a wider audience, so please feel free to comment or share.
See more on the next page
Advertisement
