Isla hesitated, then spoke with newfound resolve. “I want to stay with Jim and Megan. They’re my family now. Moose is my best friend.”

Tears welled up in Megan’s eyes as she reached over to squeeze Isla’s hand. Jim, too, looked emotional, his eyes never leaving Isla and Moose.

The judge leaned back, considering Isla’s words. “Thank you, Isla. You’ve been incredibly brave today. Your voice has been heard.”

With those words, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate. Isla leaned into Moose, who licked her cheek gently, offering comfort in his own way.

The gavel came down, and Judge Dawson spoke. “This court will take a short recess before delivering a decision. But let me assure you, Isla, your courage today has made a difference.”

As people began to file out of the courtroom, I watched Isla hug Moose tightly. For the first time in a long while, she looked at peace. It was clear that, with Moose’s help, she had found her voice—and it was powerful enough to change her world.