There was a sharp knock at the door.
"Ten minutes are up," the court officer said. "Judge wants everyone back inside."
The room seemed to shrink.
I stared at the floor for a second before pushing myself upright. My legs felt heavy, but they held.
Zaire stood beside me immediately.
"You good?" he asked quietly.
I let out a shaky breath.
"I will be."
Victor gathered his files and headed for the door.
"Let's finish this."
The walk back to the courtroom felt longer than before.
The moment the doors opened, every conversation seemed to stop.
I returned to the witness stand and settled into the chair.
The bailiff called for order.
Judge Vance looked down from the bench.
"Ms. Taylor, you remain under oath."
"Yes, Your Honor."
The clinic's attorney rose and approached the stand.
