Chapter 22 - Whether Julian Would Ever See Emma
The hardest question was not house.
It was fatherhood.
Julian requested future contact from prison.
Family court did not terminate parental rights automatically.
Instead, it required:
No direct contact while Emma young.
All communications through court approved channel.
Completion of domestic violence intervention and parenting programs.
Psychological evaluation before any future visitation petition.
My position could be heard.
Emma’s best interest primary.
When Emma was six, Julian petitioned for letters.
Court allowed two screened letters per year to be stored by guardian ad litem, not delivered automatically.
At ten, Emma learned age appropriate truth.
“Your biological father hurt me before you were born. He went to prison. You were born early because my body was in danger.”
“Did he hurt me?”
“We cannot say he caused any lasting injury. You were born early after what he did.”
“Does he love me?”
“I don’t know what he feels. Love has to include safe behavior.”
She thought.
“Do I have to read letters?”
“No.”
May you like
She declined.
That choice belonged to her.
