Gemotions

The courtroom was a sterile, unforgiving space. She sat rigid in her chair, the crumpled list clutched tightly in her hand. "Stand up for what's right," it read. The words seemed to mock her. The air in the room felt thick with unspoken accusations. Her palms were slick with sweat. The lawyer, a stranger in a tailored suit, was talking, but the words were a meaningless blur. She was supposed to be strong, to speak for her father. Her throat constricted, making any sound impossible.