cnu-At my fortieth birthday party, my sister swung a baseball bat into…

still startled when metal clanged too loudly.

Claire asked if we wanted to speak.

I had written a statement. Pages of it. Rage, grief, facts, consequences. I brought it folded in my purse.

Then Emma touched my sleeve.

“I want to,” she whispered.

I looked at Derek. His eyes widened slightly, but he nodded.

Claire asked the judge.

He looked at Emma. “Does the continue reading …