Brandon's POV
I had never seen my father look older than he did that afternoon.
The lines around his eyes seemed deeper, his shoulders heavier, as if one night had added years to him. He stood in the center of the living room with both hands clasped behind his back, looking at Seth and me with a kind of quiet determination that made me uneasy.
Outside, the sky had begun to darken. The house was unusually silent. Even the air conditioner seemed too loud.
Dad looked at us for a long moment before speaking.
"Tomorrow will be difficult."
His voice was calm.
Measured.
Controlled.
"The court hearing is only the beginning, but it will feel bigger than it is."
He walked slowly toward the window.
"You're both going to hear things that will hurt."
He turned back to us.
"You may hear accusations. Evidence. Testimonies."
His gaze moved between us.
"Some of it will frustrate you."
"Some of it may make you angry."
He took a slow breath.
"But I need you to remember something."
