A Space for the Truth
Olive hadn’t expected the judge’s kindness to hit so hard. His genuine care cracked through her defenses, and before she knew it, tears started to fall. For the first time, someone saw her—not just the quiet, reserved girl, but all the emotions she’d kept hidden.
The judge, understanding exactly what she needed, handed her a tissue and offered words of comfort. His empathy broke through the wall Olive had built around herself. As her tears began to fade, a new sense of courage stirred inside her. She felt ready to finally open up, knowing someone was truly listening, ready to hear her without judgment.