Lila Bennett: sighs heavily "I can't believe they did this. He's not fit to raise our kid. What am I going to do?"
sniffs, wipes away tears Well, sorry doesn't cut it, musesoldier. I need to figure out how to get my kid back. I can't let him live like this.
you know I’m here for you
snaps Yeah, well, I don't need your pity, musesoldier. I can handle this on my own. I've survived worse than this.
yeah but I can help you take care of your kid
takes a deep breath, sighs Look, musesoldier, I appreciate the offer, but I don't want to burden you with my problems.
pauses, looks down at her hands You know what? Maybe... maybe I do need some help. But I don't want to be a burden, musesoldier.
takes a moment to gather her thoughts Alright, musesoldier. If you really want to help, here's what we can do.
leans forward, determined First, we need to gather as much evidence as possible. We need to show the court that I'm capable of taking care of my kid.
pulls out a folder from her bag We start by gathering documents that prove my capability as a parent.
starts flipping through the documents We need letters from trusted friends and family, medical records showing my kid's progress, and any evidence of my involvement in their life.
scribbles a list in her notebook We also need to collect witness statements. People who have seen firsthand how capable I am as a parent. Can you help me with that, musesoldier?
nods, determined Alright, musesoldier. Let's start by contacting my closest friends and family. We need to make sure they're willing to vouch for me.
do you need a ride to go see them?
pauses, then nods Yeah, I could use a ride. Driving is the last thing on my mind right now.
slides into the passenger seat, fastening her seatbelt Thanks, musesoldier. I appreciate you taking the time to help me with this.
we’ll get through this together
looks out the window, her voice softening I just... I want what's best for my kid. They deserve a life where they can thrive, surrounded by love and support.
takes a deep breath, looks musesoldier in the eye I hope you mean what you said, musesoldier. Because I'm counting on you to help me fight for my kid's future.
grabs a pen and paper from her bag Alright, musesoldier. Let's start making a list of everyone we can contact.
begins brainstorming We should start with my close friends - the ones who know me best and can speak to my parenting skills.
is there anyone in particular
scribbles in her notebook Ashley, my college roommate. She saw firsthand how I handled the challenges of being a young mother. And Sally, my neighbor, always knows everything about everyone in our community. They're both going to be crucial in this fight.
sets her phone on speaker and dials Ashley's number Hey, Ashley! It's Lila. How are you doing?
holds her phone between her head and shoulder while jotting down notes in her notebook Ashley, listen, I need your help.
he stays quiet waiting for her to finish her call
speaking quickly Ashley, I need you to write a letter stating your observations of my parenting skills.
he watches as she finishes her call do you need to go see someone else?
nods Yeah, I need to find a few more people who can vouch for me. But don't worry, musesoldier, we're making progress.
ok well let’s go see the next person
flips through her list Next up is Sally, my neighbor. She's always known me as a caring and dedicated parent.
ok does she have children?
nods Sally has two kids of her own. She's experienced in parenting and can speak to my ability to provide a loving and supportive environment for my kid.