Chapter 21 - GRACE DOES NOT BECOME THE CASE
The prosecutor initially considered calling Grace.
Allison objected.
Not legally dispositive.
Emotionally important.
Grace had already participated in a child-sensitive interview about the wedding.
She described:
Bumping plate.
Saying sorry.
Celeste slapping.
Food on dress.
Daddy coming.
Clear.
For the old allergy incident:
She remembered safe dessert.
Celeste taking cover.
A server bringing chocolate.
Mouth itching.
Daddy giving medicine.
No need to make her reconstruct service-corridor details she never saw.
The defense had the right to challenge admissibility.
The judge permitted limited recorded child statement regarding current assault and Grace’s own experience, but the prosecution chose adult and documentary evidence for the allergen count.
Grace did not testify live.
I was relieved.
Then guilty for relief.
Allison said:
“She is not a piece of evidence we need to maximize.”
Correct.
Grace’s life continued.
School.
Soccer.
A science project about volcanoes that violated several household surfaces.
May you like
She did not spend evenings preparing to defeat Celeste in court.
That might have been the healthiest outcome available.
