Because procedures existed.
And procedures don’t care about last names.
Eventually an officer approached Emily.
“Do you wish to leave with your mother tonight?”
The answer came before he finished the sentence.
“Yes.”
No hesitation.
No uncertainty.
Just yes.
The officer nodded.
That single word carried more weight than anything else said that evening.
Because it came from her.
Not me.
Not a lawyer.
Not a doctor.
Her.
As we prepared to leave, Margaret stood near the doorway.
Her confidence had faded.
But not entirely.
People rarely abandon arrogance quickly.
