One of his small hands rested against his sister's back to keep her steady.
"Because they're siblings," I said.
"Many siblings are separated every year in this state," Daniel replied. "That fact alone is not a sufficient legal argument."
"It should be."
He almost smiled.
"Carter, there are unexplained gaps in your background between the ages of nine and 17. The court should understand those years before it places five children in your care."
The room became so quiet that I could feel the silence in my ribs.
I looked down at my hands.
"I would rather not discuss that, sir."
"I'm sure you would rather not," Daniel said gently. "However, this court is being asked to place five human beings in your care. The court is entitled to understand who you are."
"Objection," Diane said. "The question is overly broad and invades my client's privacy."
The judge held up one hand.
"I'll allow a narrower version of the question."
Daniel turned back toward me.
"Carter, why these children? Why now? Why are you willing to spend every dollar you have, and possibly every dollar you will ever earn, on five strangers?"
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
I saw Eli whisper something to the younger children.
His lips formed the same soft, reassuring shape that a mother might use, and my throat closed.
"Please answer the question," Daniel said.
"I..."
"Carter."
The judge leaned forward.
One of his small hands rested against his sister's back to keep her steady.
"Because they're siblings," I said.
"Many siblings are separated every year in this state," Daniel replied. "That fact alone is not a sufficient legal argument."
"It should be."
He almost smiled.
"Carter, there are unexplained gaps in your background between the ages of nine and 17. The court should understand those years before it places five children in your care."
The room became so quiet that I could feel the silence in my ribs.
I looked down at my hands.
"I would rather not discuss that, sir."
"I'm sure you would rather not," Daniel said gently. "However, this court is being asked to place five human beings in your care. The court is entitled to understand who you are."
"Objection," Diane said. "The question is overly broad and invades my client's privacy."
The judge held up one hand.
"I'll allow a narrower version of the question."
Daniel turned back toward me.
"Carter, why these children? Why now? Why are you willing to spend every dollar you have, and possibly every dollar you will ever earn, on five strangers?"
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
I saw Eli whisper something to the younger children.
His lips formed the same soft, reassuring shape that a mother might use, and my throat closed.
"Please answer the question," Daniel said.
"I..."
"Carter."
The judge leaned forward.
"I never saw him again, Your Honor. I have sent letters, searched records, and paid people to help me find my siblings. After 20 years, there are still two of them I have not found."
Daniel slowly lowered his notepad to the table.
"When I saw those five faces on the emergency placement registry," I said, "something inside me broke open. I made a promise that another family would not be torn apart if I had the power to stand in the way."
Daniel sat down without asking another question.
The judge looked toward the back of the courtroom.
"Eli, would you come forward, please?"
The boy walked carefully to the front, still clutching his sister's pink ribbon.
"Son," the judge said gently, "tell me what you want."
Eli looked at his brothers and sisters before answering.
"I just want us to stay together, sir."
The judge remained silent for a long moment.
He removed his glasses, rubbed the bridge of his nose, and glanced toward Beverly.
"Ms. Beverly," he said quietly, "based on what you've observed over the past three weeks, do you believe this placement deserves a chance?"
The courtroom turned toward her.
Beverly lowered her clipboard.
"When I first reviewed Carter's application, I had serious concerns," she admitted. "Five children are a tremendous responsibility for anyone."
She looked at me, then at the children.
"But I have watched these children with him every day since the emergency placement began. They run to him when they're frightened. They listen to him. They're finally beginning to sleep peacefully. Most importantly, they are still together."
She paused and faced the judge.
"After everything I've observed, I believe keeping these children together in Carter's care is in their best interest. Separating them now would cause them further harm."
The judge nodded once.
"The state's request to place these children in separate foster homes is denied."
No one in the courtroom moved.
