Chapter 14 - The Hearing
Mom wore a blue cardigan to court. She chose it herself, then asked me to straighten the collar.
"You don't have to prove you're perfect," I said.
"Good," she answered. "I'm not."
Daphne sat beside Nico across the aisle. She looked polished and calm, as if she hadn't spent the last three days trying to frighten a seventy-one-year-old woman.
Their attorney described confusion, missed medication, unpaid bills, and the danger of Mom being influenced by her daughter. June presented the clinic records, evidence of financial transactions, the revocation, and the independent specialist's assessment. The specialist had found Mom able to understand the relevant decisions, though she could benefit from help with some tasks.
When Mom was asked to speak, the courtroom seemed to shrink around her.
"I forget my glasses," she said. "I sometimes forget an appointment. I don't forget being hungry. I don't forget my son looking at his plate while I sat beside the dog."
Nico covered his mouth.
"I need some help," Mom continued. "I don't need people taking my food, my medicine, my money, or my home. I want to decide who helps me."
The judge asked several questions. Mom answered slowly, and once asked for a question to be repeated. Nobody rushed her.
The emergency request to place Mom under Nico's control was denied. The judge directed that evidence of possible exploitation be sent to the proper authorities. June's separate request to preserve disputed assets would be heard promptly; the contested house sale remained on hold with the title company.
Outside, Mom gripped the railing and cried. "I thought nobody would believe me."
"They heard you," I said.
May you like
We were almost at the parking lot when my phone rang. Mrs. Daley was breathless.
"Carmen, come quickly. Daphne's back at the house. She's throwing your mother's things into the street."
