For 4 years, I picked up my sister’s kids from school for free. One day I was 37 minutes late, and she screamed at me in front of them: “Not with my children!” Then she shoved me out of her house. I stopped picking them up. 11 days later, the school called me. Then my sister called 6 times. I turned my phone face down.

There were no dramatic courtroom decorations.

No large audience.

Just the people involved, their documents, and a referee responsible for reviewing the evidence.

Dan sat beside his attorney, Teresa.

Nicole sat alone.

Her lawyer had withdrawn.

She wore a navy blazer and kept her manila folder directly in front of her.

When I entered, she refused to look at me.

I was sworn in.

Teresa began with simple questions.

Had I provided childcare?

“Yes.”

Had Nicole paid me?

“No.”

Had I ever received regular cash payments in envelopes?

“No.”

What about the five $950 transfers?

“They were returned in full at Nicole’s request.”

The questions continued.

Then Nicole was permitted to question me.

She stood up.

“Isn’t it true that you left my daughter waiting at school for thirty-seven minutes?”

“Yes,” I answered.

Her expression changed slightly.

“I was late. I apologized, and I take responsibility for that mistake.”