My Father Mocked Me for Coming to Court Without a Lawyer, But the Judge Opened My File and the Whole Room Went Silent

counsel.”

“I know.”

She hesitated. “You could still ask for a continuance and get legal aid to review, or—”

“No,” I said, not unkindly. “I won’t need one.”

She studied me for a second, not judging, just trying to understand. Then she stamped the filing.

“Good luck,” she said.

I thanked her, though luck had nothing to do with it.

Back home, Knox watched me continue reading …