Little Olive’s Big Moment

Olive spent the day in quiet observation, her petite figure almost disappearing in the background like a shadow. Dressed in her best clothes, she sat stiffly in the back seat as the car made its way to the towering courthouse that seemed larger and more intimidating than she’d imagined.

Inside, Olive watched as the couple she’d come to know spoke earnestly with the judge. They were calm, confident, and determined to prove they were the family she needed. But the kid’s stomach churned with unease. She didn’t expect the judge’s gaze to fall on her. The simple question that followed froze her in place as the room grew impossibly still.