Chapter 16 - AVA DID NOT HAVE TO TESTIFY
Dean’s attorney wanted Ava interviewed again.
Laura’s attorney opposed courtroom testimony.
The child advocate agreed.
Ava was six.
She had already provided a properly conducted forensic interview.
She did not owe adults another performance of her fear.
The judge reviewed the recorded interview privately.
Dean objected.
The objection failed.
For once, Ava did not have to enter a room full of adults and prove what happened.
That mattered deeply to Laura.
Children should not have to become convincing before they become protected.
The judge did permit one written statement from Ava through her advocate.
Three sentences.
I love my daddy.
I don't want him mad at me.
I want Mommy with me when I see him.
Dean read it.
His shoulders dropped.
For the first time during the entire case, he cried.
Laura watched him.
She did not feel victory.
Only sadness.
Love had survived inside Ava.
May you like
Trust had not.
Those were different things.
