SHE SAID MY 8-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER “FELL”—THEN MY TERRIFIED CHILD WHISPERED, “SHE TOLD ME TO LIE.”
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Chapter 11 / 15
Chapter 11 - THE HEARING IS CANCELED
The adoption court postponed the final hearing.
Not denied forever.
Postponed pending:
child-welfare findings,
family assessment,
Emily’s safety and wishes.
Rachel was furious.
“She’s eight. She doesn’t understand permanency.”
Dana answered:
“She understands fear.”
Sarah requested a protective order limiting Rachel’s contact.
The court granted temporary restrictions.
No unsupervised time with Emily.
No discipline.
No direct discussion of adoption with Emily.
Rachel called that cruel.
Sarah said:
May you like
“You told her to lie about why her eye was bandaged.”
Rachel had no answer.
