Mira's POV — First Supervised Visit
The visitation center smelled like industrial cleaner and failure.
Mira sat at a small table in a windowless room while a court-appointed monitor—a woman named Ms. Chen—sat in the corner with a clipboard. Every interaction would be documented. Every word recorded.
When Brielle walked in, Mira's heart cracked.
"Mommy!" Brielle ran to her, splinted wrist and all.
Mira pulled her close, breathing in her daughter's familiar scent. "Hi, baby. I missed you so much."
"I missed you too." Brielle climbed into her lap. "Why can't I come home with you?"
"Because... because the judge said you need to stay with Daddy for a little while. But I get to see you. Like right now."
"But why is that lady watching us?" Brielle pointed at Ms. Chen.
