The Judge’s Suspicion

As Ana finished speaking, the judge studied her face with a practiced intensity. Something in her expression made him pause. Leaning forward, he locked eyes with her and asked, “Are you sure?” Years of experience in the courtroom had sharpened his instincts, and he sensed a flicker of doubt in Ana’s response. Despite her composed answer, he felt there was more beneath the surface.

Adoption cases are usually straightforward, but this one wasn’t. The judge called an unexpected recess, leaving the room in tense silence. No one knew what would come next, but the weight of his words lingered in the air, heavy and uncertain.