Chapter 16- THE EMERGENCY MOTION
Donna’s emergency motion accused me of emotional abuse, financial exploitation and witness manipulation.
She claimed I had trained Lily to repeat “adult language” about safety and boundaries. She argued that my refusal to accept gifts proved I was controlling.
Her lawyer requested an immediate psychological evaluation and temporary supervised visitation.
For the first time since Brian’s arrest, I felt the old panic returning.
Not because Donna’s claims were true.
Because I knew how calmly a lie could be placed on official paper.
Maya read the motion twice.
“This is aggressive,” she said. “But it is also desperate.”
“What if the judge believes her?”
“Then we give the judge more truth than Donna can survive.”
The court appointed Dr. Naomi Reeves, a child psychologist, to interview Lily privately. Neither I nor Donna would be allowed in the room.
When I told Lily, she became pale.
“Is she going to make me see Grandma?”
“No. She wants to hear how you feel.”
“What if I say something wrong?”
I knelt in front of her.
“There is no wrong answer. You don’t have to protect me. You don’t have to protect Dad or Grandma Donna. Just tell the truth.”
Lily looked toward the front door.
“Can I tell her about the lock?”
“Yes.”
“And Dad hitting you?”
“Yes.”
“And Grandma holding your arm?”
“Yes.”
Her lip trembled.
“What if Grandma cries in court?”
“That is not your fault.”
On the morning of the interview, Donna arrived wearing a pale blue dress and carrying the same stuffed rabbit she had once kept at her house for Lily.
She held it where Lily could see.
Lily stopped walking.
Donna smiled.
“Grandma brought your favorite.”
May you like
Lily moved behind me and whispered one sentence.
“That isn’t my favorite anymore.”
