More people filtered in and out as the afternoon wore on. Someone’s stomach growled audibly, prompting scattered nervous laughter. The family in the back had progressed from coloring to silent card games, their periodic shuffling adding to the soundtrack of anxious waiting.

Sophia hadn’t moved from her position, fingers occasionally swiping across her tabs screen while Juniper found herself gravitating closer to Daniel with each passing hour. His steady presence anchored her as doubt threatened to overwhelm her composure.

“No,” Daniel said suddenly, his hand finding her side in a gesture of quiet support. “History will be on our side today. The truth has a way of cutting through the noise.”