Chapter 25 - LENORA FINALLY SAYS THE WORD DAUGHTER
The judge found Lenora responsible on the misdemeanor assault/harassment count supported by the physical removal and discriminatory targeting.
No felony.
No kidnapping.
No serious-injury enhancement.
Sentence:
Probation.
Community service.
Required counseling.
No contact with Elsie during the initial period except through approved written communication.
Restitution for Elsie’s medical evaluation and therapy costs attributable to the incident.
A suspended short custodial sentence conditioned on compliance.
Proportionate.
Then the judge addressed Lenora.
“You have repeatedly referred to Elsie as an adopted child in a manner suggesting the noun child changes.”
Lenora said nothing.
The judge continued.
“Does it?”
Lenora’s lawyer shifted.
The judge waited.
Finally:
“No.”
“Who is she to Dominic?”
Lenora looked at me.
Then:
“His daughter.”
There.
Not healing.
Not redemption.
A sentence.
But the correct one.
Then my case.
I completed diversion.
Anger-management.
Restitution for Lenora’s documented medical costs caused by my slap.
No new offense.
My misdemeanor charge was dismissed under the program.
The dismissal did not turn the slap into parenting.
I told Elsie that once she was old enough to ask.
May you like
Not every detail.
Enough.
