She Was Sitting In My Front-Row Seat Holding My Novel — Smiling Like She Had Stolen My Life

away.

In the courtroom, the air smelled of old wood and coffee.

My palms left damp crescents on the counsel table.

Anna sat behind me with Lily on her lap, drawing silent circles on the child’s back.

Margot sat on my other side, clutching a legal pad as if she planned to stab someone with it.

Mara stood when the judge entered.

Her voice was controlled.

She continue reading …