Karen’s voice wavered at first, then grew steadier with each word.
Ryan shifted uncomfortably. “Mom, sit down. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Her voice cut sharper. “Don’t tell me I don’t know. Do you think I didn’t notice the missing money from my purse? Or the nights you disappeared, hoping I was too tired to care? I’ve carried this weight alone, Ryan. But today, I’m done protecting you.”
A murmur spread through the crowd. Karen turned to the judge, her eyes wet but determined.
“Your Honor, my son believes he’s untouchable because I’ve been shielding him. He thinks consequences don’t apply because I’ve softened every blow. If you want to know why he’s like this, it’s partly my fault. I made excuses. I wanted to believe he’d grow out of it. But now… I can’t.”
The Turning Point
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