He looked at Isabella.
“The biology establish a connection. It doesn’t erase seventeen years of parenting.”
Then he turned to me.
“Ma’am. Lopez, you didn’t give this kid your life. But according to the evidence before this court, you gave him a home, protection, education, stability and unconditional love.”
I started crying.
The judge continued.
“Therefore, this court will not take Daniel out of the only home he recognizes as his own.”
The courtroom exploded in whispers.
But the judge was not finished.
He ruled that Isabella could seek a relationship with Daniel only if Daniel wanted one, and only in circumstances that respected his wishes.
Isabella nodded through her tears.
Then he did something unexpected.
She stood up, walked towards me and stopped several meters away.
“I know I don’t deserve to ask you for anything,” he said. “But thank you.”
I didn’t know what to say.
