PART 3 The courthouse smelled like wet coats, old paper, and coffee that had been burned for too many hours.

like evidence of a life that had changed overnight.

Amelia slept closest to her heart.

Grace made tiny fists in her blanket.

Lily stared up at the fluorescent lights as if already unimpressed with the justice system.

Margaret Ellison walked beside them, one hand on her leather folder, the other ready to stop anyone who came too close.

Savannah’s mother,continue reading …