Lily Gets a Voice
Chapter 10 - Lily Gets a Voice
The judge appointed a child advocate.
For the first time, Lily was given a space where neither Daniel nor Thomas could shape the answer.
The advocate met her privately.
No lawyers.
No cameras.
No adults listening at the door.
When Lily returned, she seemed lighter.
Daniel did not ask what she had said.
Thomas did.
Lily looked at him.
“You’re not supposed to ask.”
Thomas nodded, embarrassed.
“You’re right.”
That small moment mattered.
Three days later, the advocate filed a recommendation.
Lily wanted Daniel in her life.
She also wanted to remain connected to Thomas.
She did not want to choose between them.
The judge approved a transitional arrangement.
Lily would spend weekdays in Emily’s home with Thomas until the school semester ended.
Weekends would be with Daniel.
During summer, the arrangement would gradually shift toward Daniel becoming primary guardian.
Family counseling was required.
No press interviews.
No public statements about Lily.
Daniel thought it was fair.
Thomas looked relieved.
Lily looked terrified.
That surprised both men.
Outside court, Daniel asked what was wrong.
“What if you stop wanting me?”
Daniel stared at her.
“Why would I?”
“Because right now everything is new.”
Her words sounded older than ten.
Daniel crouched.
“Lily, I already lost twelve years.”
His voice softened.
“I’m not walking away from the years I have left.”
She searched his face.
Then she held out her little finger.
Daniel blinked.
“Seriously?”
“Mom said pinky promises are legally binding.”
For the first time, Daniel laughed.
He hooked his finger around hers.
“Then I guess I’m trapped.”
But as they left the courthouse, Maya approached with another envelope.
Emily had left one final instruction.
May you like
It was addressed to both Daniel and Thomas.
Together.
