“I’ve bailed you out three times. I’ve covered for you with the school, with the police, even with our neighbors. And every time, I told myself you’d learn. I wanted to believe the sweet boy I raised was still in there. But instead, you’ve been laughing in everyone’s face—including mine.”
Ryan shifted uncomfortably. “Mom, sit down. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
A murmur spread through the crowd. Karen turned to the judge, her eyes wet but determined.
“Your Honor, my son believes he’s untouchable because I’ve been shielding him. He thinks consequences don’t apply because I’ve softened every blow. If you want to know why he’s like this, it’s partly my fault. I made excuses. I wanted to believe he’d grow out of it. But now… I can’t.”
The Turning Point
Judge Whitmore studied her, his face softening. “Mrs. Cooper, it takes courage to admit that.”
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