Chapter 20 - Emily does not take Lily home
Emily wanted Lily immediately.
The court said no.
Correctly.
Emily still required:
Physical therapy.
Cognitive therapy.
Medication management.
Rest periods.
Assistance with transportation.
Her stamina was limited.
She could not suddenly become sole parent because biology and love demanded it.
The emergency family-court order placed Lily temporarily with me.
Why me?
Ryan had just assaulted her and faced investigation for the deception.
Emily could not yet provide full-time independent care.
I had stable housing.
No criminal history.
Existing relationship with Lily, though weakened by Ryan’s restrictions.
Ryan received supervised contact initially.
Emily received frequent therapeutic visits.
The first overnight with Emily happened four months later.
Accessible apartment.
Me in the guest room.
Not because Emily was incapable.
Because everyone wanted backup.
At 2:11 a.m., Lily crawled into Emily’s bed.
“Are you going to disappear?”
Emily said:
“No.”
Then corrected herself.
“I am going to tell you if I have to go somewhere.”
Better.
May you like
No impossible promises.
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