Chapter 49 - The Unexpected Witness
At the guardianship preparation meeting, Noah introduced a school counselor named Hannah Price. She had worked with Leo after his mother's death and had been asked to give a professional account of his adjustment.
“Please don't ask him to repeat the family's arguments,” she told Adrian and Vanessa. “He already knows the adults are anxious. Your job is to make his days predictable while the process continues.”
Vanessa sat very still. Adrian took notes.
Hannah described a child who loved stories, watched doors when someone left, and sometimes hid favorite objects so they wouldn't disappear. She did not label him damaged. She described needs: consistent pickups, honest explanations, stable routines, and adults who could cooperate without using him as proof of anything.
“I can hire additional specialists,” Adrian offered.
“You can,” Hannah said. “But a specialist isn't a substitute for a familiar person showing up.”
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Vanessa looked across the table at him. I expected a sharp comment. Instead she asked Hannah how to coordinate visits so Leo never had to choose between them.
The counselor offered to write a simple schedule. I watched the two adversaries agree on a calendar without anyone calling it victory.
