Chapter 14 - The Legal Reality
The morning sun filtered through the hospital blinds, casting long, peaceful shadows across the linoleum floor. Lily was asleep, her breathing steady and deep. Sarah sat beside her, sipping a lukewarm cup of coffee that David had brought her an hour earlier.
David stood near the doorway, keeping his voice low. "I spoke to Officer Evans this morning. Brenda is being arraigned today. The charge is felony child endangerment."
Sarah closed her eyes, resting her forehead against her hand. The reality of the situation was heavy and complex. Brenda had been her friend. They had shared books, wine, and laughter. To picture her in a jail cell was jarring, yet every time Sarah closed her eyes, she saw Lily lying lifeless in the trash bin.
May you like
"I can't bring myself to feel sorry for her," Sarah whispered, her voice thick with exhaustion. "I know she panicked. I know it was an accident to give her the cookie. But she chose to hide her. She chose to save herself instead of my daughter."
"You don't have to feel sorry for her, Sarah," David replied gently. "You just have to focus on Lily right now. The law will handle Brenda."
