The next time they sat in courtroom 3B, it was to hear Judge Dawson’s ruling. Isla walked in, her hand lightly gripping Moose’s harness. She felt different—lighter, as if sharing her truth had unshackled something inside her.

Judge Dawson smiled warmly as she entered. “In consideration of the testimony and evidence presented,” she began, “it is the ruling of this court that Leonard Griffin’s petition for custody is denied. Isla Merrin shall remain in the care of her foster parents, Jim and Megan, with continued support from her service dog, Moose.”

Relief was palpable in the room, a collective exhale of tension. Isla’s foster parents squeezed her shoulders, their happiness clear. Isla, too, couldn’t help but smile. Moose barked once, a sound of joyous affirmation.

At that moment, Isla knew she had found her voice—and with it, a new beginning.