The courtroom was green and brown. It reminded me of the duck, Melvin, that I made Laney take a picture of at the park. I remember that day because it was the last day my life seemed normal.

I remember the lake was dark and choppy with the wind blowing my hair in my face and pushing the bread crumbs out farther to more ducks. Melvin had waddled up close, like he wanted his picture taken.

But there weren’t any cameras here. No ducks either. Just a bunch of people all dressed up. There was a tall man who waved at me. He looks important, and stern. He’s kind of frowning, but he holds his head up and ignores everybody else. Why did he wave at me? Am I special?

I decide to listen to the old man speaking. He’s talking about a father, a biological father. Who is that? Laney catches me looking. I opened my eyes wide in surprise. She smiles at me. She must think she’s caught me not listening, but I am! I try to listen harder.

Mr. Crawford spoke. I heard my name! He talked about me nicely. I felt important!