Chapter 13 - Margaret's Defense
At the full hearing, Margaret had counsel.
As she should.
Her attorney did not claim Noah fell spontaneously.
The foyer video made that impossible.
Instead, they argued context.
Margaret had been emotionally distressed.
She had not intended the severity of the fall.
She described the kick as:
“an impulsive push with my foot.”
The judge watched the video.
Words did not soften physics.
Margaret also argued that the household conflict had escalated rapidly and that I had used the protective-order process to expel her from what she regarded as her long-term residence.
That issue required separate examination.
She had lived there eighteen months.
Received mail there.
Maintained possessions.
Housing rights are not erased by family anger.
But protective orders can contain temporary residence provisions when supported by safety findings, subject to law and hearing.
The judge continued the stay-away provisions.
Margaret retrieved belongings through a scheduled process with third parties present.
No confrontation.
No suitcases thrown onto lawns.
No private security men escorting her like a movie villain.
May you like
Ordinary procedure.
That was safer.
