“These are the people we’re talking about. Our protectors. Our guardians.” Her voice gained strength with each word. “Our teachers - the ones who know every child by name, birthday, every like and dislike, every specific fine-tune requested by parents for comfort or learning.”

Juniper turned toward the witness stand where Delaney had sat earlier, her hands trembling slightly as she gathered her thoughts. She took a deep breath, letting the emotion that had been building inside her spill out into her words.

“When I saw Mr. Delaney testify,” she began, her voice soft yet carrying in the hushed courtroom, “I couldn’t help but think of my own grandfather.” Her gaze drifting briefly to the floor as she collected herself. “Someone I’ll never have the chance to meet.”

Her eyes found Roma’s across the room, a flicker of understanding passing between them. Letting off a single nod… “Like you, I’m coming to understand the true meaning of loss in my adult life.”

Juniper’s gaze returned to the jury, her voice gaining strength as she continued. “Seeing Mr. Delaney on the stand, witnessing his passion and dedication… it struck a chord deep within me. It made me realize that my own grandfather likely possessed those same qualities, that same drive to make the world a better place.”

Her pace stilled for a heartbeat, letting the weight of her words settle over the room. “My grandfather’s work, like Mr. Delaney’s, helped shape the world we live in today. His contributions brought prosperity and opportunity to my family, even now, years after his passing.”