Chapter 17 - The guardianship trial begins
The guardianship trial began five weeks after the storm.
Gloria wanted reinstatement.
Not just visitation.
Her argument:
One disciplinary mistake.
Financial accounting corrected.
Natalie inexperienced.
Lizzy needs continuity with grandparents.
The law took existing guardianship seriously.
Removing a guardian permanently required evidence.
Then DCF.
Alicia Webb testified:
The storage confinement represented emotional/physical safety concern.
Food control concerning.
Gloria minimized.
Walt failed to protect.
Natalie’s home currently safe.
Lizzy stable.
Then school.
Mrs. Hall testified:
Since placement with Natalie, Lizzy’s attendance remained good.
She initially hid snacks.
Behavior reduced.
No major discipline problems.
No school refusal.
Then Dr. Collins.
No severe malnutrition.
Mild dehydration at hospital.
Three-pound weight loss over four months.
Could not say exactly why.
Regular meal structure recommended.
No medical basis for punitive food restriction.
Then Megan Rhodes.
Forensic interview procedures.
She did not testify that Lizzy’s every statement was true.
She described disclosures and methodology.
Then Gloria’s attorney attacked suggestibility.
Lizzy had spoken to Natalie before interview.
True.
Could Natalie influence?
Possible.
But Lizzy’s statements about repeated closet use were corroborated by Walt’s journal/texts.
Then Walt testified.
Against his wife?
No.
For truth.
“Did Gloria use the closet more than once?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know?”
“Yes.”
“Did you stop her?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“I was afraid of the argument.”
Patricia:
“Were you physically afraid of Gloria?”
“No.”
“Did she threaten you?”
“No.”
“So you chose not to intervene?”
“Yes.”
Then:
“Did Gloria love Lizzy?”
“Yes.”
“Did Gloria spend hundreds of hours caring for her?”
“Yes.”
“Did she attend school meetings?”
“Yes.”
“Doctor appointments?”
“Yes.”
“Comfort nightmares?”
“Yes.”
This mattered.
Gloria was not a cartoon monster.
She did real caregiving.
Then mixed with control.
Then me.
Patricia asked:
“Do you believe Gloria loves Lizzy?”
I wanted to say no.
Instead:
“Yes.”
“Do you believe love makes her safe?”
“No.”
There.
Then:
“Would you permit future relationship?”
“If safe and Lizzy wants it.”
“Do you intend to erase Gloria from Lizzy’s life?”
“No.”
“Have you told Lizzy Grandma is a thief?”
“No.”
“Have you discussed money with Lizzy?”
“Only to say adults are handling it.”
Good.
Then Patricia found my flaw.
“You check the pantry every night?”
“I did.”
“You photographed meals?”
“For two weeks.”
“Why?”
“I was scared.”
“Could your fear become controlling too?”
“Yes.”
I hated admitting it.
Judge Cross looked at me.
Not disapproving.
Listening.
May you like
Then trial paused for financial expert the next day.
No final order.
