When court resumed, Judge Ward spoke deliberately. She found no present basis to return Sky immediately to the disputed group home while the agency's independent review continued. The emergency order approved a provisional placement with Gregory Moss as an individual caregiver, subject to completion of outstanding checks, weekly supervision at first, continued counseling, school attendance, and agency access to the home. The club was not appointed as a legal guardian; its members could provide support only within the approved plan. A review hearing would be held after the initial placement period, and any significant safety concern would require prompt action.
The judge looked directly at Gregory. "Mr. Moss, this is a responsibility to a child, not repayment of a debt to her brother. You will be accountable for her daily care and for respecting the professionals who are helping her." Gregory stood. "I understand, Your Honor."
Judge Ward turned to Sky. "And you are not required to earn this placement by painting or working. Your job is to be fourteen, to attend school, and to tell the truth when something isn't right." Sky's shoulders lowered as though she had been holding them near her ears for the entire morning.
Outside the courtroom Martha shook Gregory's hand firmly. "Don't make me regret recommending you," she said. He almost smiled. "I won't."
"You can't promise there won't be difficult days," Martha replied. "Promise me you'll answer the phone and ask for help before difficulty turns into danger." Gregory considered that, then nodded. "That I can promise."
Sky stood a few steps away with the notebook under one arm. Terry approached and asked whether she wanted to ride to the garage for an approved afternoon visit after lunch. She looked toward Gregory, then toward Denise and Natalie. "Can I go by the house first?" she asked.
"I want to see the room again." Nobody laughed at the question, and nobody told her she should be celebrating. They simply made a plan that included the room, the school books, the garage, and the fact that her life was going to continue tomorrow. Gregory did not bring Sky straight back to the garage after the hearing.
He took her to the house with the maple trees and showed her the spare bedroom again, this time after the agency had completed the arrangements for her temporary placement. The sheets were the same, the bookshelf still held the same unfinished novels, and the desk stood where she had left it on the first visit. A small lamp had been added beside the bed, along with an empty wooden box on the shelf. Gregory told her she could use the box for anything she wanted, or leave it empty until she found something worth putting inside.