Chapter 18 - A Voice of Her Own
Priya explained that Wren would not be put in front of strangers simply because the adults wanted answers. Her earlier interview, the medical evidence, and the video mattered. If additional testimony became necessary, trained professionals and the court would decide how to protect her.
"She doesn't have to carry our case," Priya said. "She is a child, not our witness on demand."
I repeated that to Wren in the living room while she built a tower of blocks.
"So I don't have to tell it again?" she asked.
"Not today. Maybe someone will need to ask you more someday, but we'll make sure you have help."
She placed a yellow block on top. "Good. I don't like the part where everybody looks at me."
Rose returned to school part-time that fall. She wanted to train in early childhood education and advocacy. I offered to help with tuition; she declined the first time, then agreed to let me provide a strong reference and flexible hours while she decided what came next.
The trust dispute began to unwind. West's cancellation demand went nowhere once the authenticity of the paperwork was challenged. A judge entered protective orders preserving the trust assets while the financial matters were investigated.
Celia's assault case moved forward. Elaine's lawyer spoke to Priya about possible restitution and cooperation. The decisions would take months; none of them could change what Wren had been through.
One afternoon, June brought home a yellow ceramic bowl from a flea market. Wren turned it over in her hands.
"Can we have soup in this?" she asked.
My chest tightened. For weeks, even the smell of broth had made her feel sick.
"Only if you want to," I said.
May you like
"I don't know yet."
That night she drew our old kitchen, then crossed out the doorway. Underneath, in careful letters, she wrote: I WANT A DIFFERENT HOUSE.
