Behind Closed Doors

Olive stepped into the judge’s private office, her heart racing. The room felt too quiet, too unfamiliar. The judge’s warm smile tried to offer reassurance, but the nerves in her chest only tightened. He pulled a juice box from a small fridge in the corner, offering it with a casual ease that seemed out of place at the moment. He asked her about life with the Quinns. His questions were gentle but persistent.

Olive kept her answers short, careful to shield herself, not ready to reveal too much. Every word felt like a step closer to a decision she wasn’t sure she was ready for.