The room went silent. My heart was breaking — I didn’t want her to feel like she had to choose. And then, in the smallest, trembling voice, she said something that stunned everyone in the courtroom.
“I don’t want to be second place.”
The words hit like thunder. “What do you mean, Sonya?” the judge asked. She hugged her rabbit tighter.
“When Mommy’s friend comes over, she tells me to go play alone. Daddy… Daddy always has time for me. With him, I’m never second place.”
The courtroom froze.
My wife’s face went pale. Her lawyer fumbled with his papers. The judge cleared his throat and nodded slowly.
“Thank you, Sonya. That was very brave.”
Minutes later, he announced his decision: full custody to me, with visitation rights for my wife. I gathered my daughter in my arms, tears streaming down my face.
She looked up at me and whispered, “Now I know I’m first place.”
