Chapter 2 - The Custody Trap
The key opened a drawer in Jason’s desk. Inside lay custody forms declaring Maya absent, unstable and incapable of raising Noah because of her hospital schedule. The petition described that night’s neglect before Maya had even returned home. Jason shrugged. “A child needs a mother who is present, not one who chooses strangers over family.” Maya stared at him. “I kept strangers alive so you could sit in a house my wages paid for.” Amber added, “Jason said you barely notice Noah.” Noah buried his face against Maya’s neck. “She calls me every break.” The forms transferred custody to Jason and gave Amber access to Noah’s education trust. Maya’s mother had created it after decades cleaning operating rooms. Jason laughed. “A janitor’s money does not become sacred because she died.” Maya’s anger sharpened. “She scrubbed floors while men like you stood on them and called themselves important.” Then Maya found a second signature on the petition: her hospital supervisor, Dr. Elaine Carter.
