Chapter 19 - REBECCA ADOPTS HIM
Greg’s parental rights were terminated after the murder conviction, child-abuse findings, long-term risk evaluation, and Leo’s need for legal permanence.
He appealed.
The decision stood.
Rebecca petitioned to adopt.
Leo was eleven.
He wanted to keep Miller as part of his name.
“My mom was Miller.”
“So was your dad,” Rebecca said.
“I know.”
“You can keep it.”
He became Leo Miller Hall.
No one forced a fresh surname to prove a fresh start.
The adoption hearing was small.
Rebecca.
Her partner Daniel.
Leo’s therapist.
A family friend.
No doctors.
No reporters.
Sarah received a photograph afterward because Leo asked.
I did too.
I kept it private.
Leo did not become my honorary patient-son.
Boundaries can coexist with affection.
Greg sent letters from prison.
The court stored them until Leo could choose.
At fourteen, he read one.
Greg apologized for the shed.
Not for Emma’s death.
He maintained innocence on the murder conviction.
Leo closed the letter.
“Can someone be guilty of some things and lie about one thing forever?”
“Yes.”
“Could the jury be wrong?”
“Yes.”
Rebecca stiffened.
I added:
“Courts have appeals because errors are possible. That does not mean every verdict is uncertain in the same way.”
Leo nodded.
May you like
He wanted truth without mythology.
That made sense after childhood.
