I sat outside on the swing, dragging the end of my shoe across the sand. Devon giggled and sang beside me as she swung as high as her little legs could pump. Mom and Dad asked me to take her outside to play and truthfully, I didn’t want to be inside. They were poring over all the adoption papers, birth certificates, documents, anything they could give to the lawyer. He was coming over this evening to meet with them. I had to keep Devon busy.

As much as I hated it when she opened up my Collectors Edition Barbies, or scribbled all over my sketch pads, or wore my favorite necklace when playing dress-up in my clothes, I still love her. She is so cute. She can make me smile with one silly song or cheer me up with a hand-drawn peace offering when I am mad at her.

To think that she might not be here after Thursday is well, preposterous! She is part of our family! She belongs here! I just know the judge will see it may way!

Mom called us in for dinner. Devon’s favorite, of course. Again. This part I won’t miss.