He paused, staring directly at my mother, who had started to violently sob. “And as for the allegations of fraud and forgery… I will be referring this entire case file to the state prosecutor’s office.

You two should probably call a criminal defense attorney. You’re going to need a good one.”

I didn’t stay to watch them cry. I turned around, picked up my briefcase, and walked down the center aisle of the courtroom. The heavy wooden doors swung open, and I stepped out into the bright, echoing hallway of the courthouse. My family had thought I was weak because I stayed quiet. They didn’t understand that I wasn’t hiding. I was just taking my time, waiting for the perfect moment to speak.