Chapter 3 – The Trial

The investigation moved quickly.

Medical experts estimated Lily had received dozens of adult sleeping doses over six months.

Thankfully, blood tests showed no permanent organ damage.

The pediatric neurologist called it miraculous.

The prosecutor charged Janice with child endangerment, unlawful administration of prescription medication, and neglect.

Friends asked whether I planned to forgive my mother.

I couldn't answer.

Because every time I closed my eyes...

I saw Lily whispering,

"I hid today's pill."

At the hearing, Janice stood before the judge looking older than I had ever seen her.

She admitted everything.

She explained that she believed making Lily sleep every afternoon made her "better behaved."

The courtroom remained silent.

The judge wasn't cruel.

But he was firm.

He sentenced Janice to probation, mandatory psychological treatment, community service, and permanently prohibited unsupervised contact with Lily unless approved by the family court after extensive evaluation.

Some people called the sentence too lenient.

Others thought it was too harsh.

None of them mattered.

Only Lily did.

When we walked out of the courthouse, she slipped her tiny hand into mine.

"Am I in trouble?" she asked quietly.

I knelt beside her.

"No, sweetheart."

"You were very brave."

She looked up.

"I was scared."

"I know."

"But you still told the truth."

She smiled for the first time in weeks.

A real smile.

Not the tired little one I had seen in the nurse's office.