THE JUDGE SENTENCED THE CHILD TO 9 YEARS IN PRISON FOR KILLING HIS NEWBORN SISTER, BUT WHEN HE...

the judge sentenced the child to 9 years in prison for killing his newborn sister but when he spoke his last words everyone was shocked and the judge changed his mind the echo of footsteps resonated in the courthouse hallway as Miguel anhel Suarez barely 12 years old was escorted by two officers to room number seven his small feet clad in worn blue sneakers that his mother had bought him for the start of the school year could barely keep up with the pace of the adults flanking him this way kid muttered one of the officers with a

mixture of professionalism and compassion that didn't go unnoticed by the defense attorney Ricardo Mendoza who was waiting by the imposing wooden doors Miguel whispered Mendoza bending down to the child's height remember what we talked about stay calm all right the boy nodded slightly without lifting his gaze from the floor his wrists marked by the friction of the handcuffs trembled slightly inside the room the murmur of conversations ceased abruptly when the doors opened those present stood up as judge Gabriel Ramirez made his entrance he was a 60-year-old Man known for his firmness but also for his

sense of justice in his 30 years of career he had never had to judge such a young defendant for such a serious crime you may be seated announced the judge adjusting his glasses while reviewing the documents in front of him we are here for the sentencing hearing in the case of the State versus Miguel anhel Suarez Morales in the front row Elena Morales Miguel's mother squeezed her husband Carlos's hand the last few weeks had left a visible mark on both both Elena had lost so much weight that her clothes seemed to belong to someone else

and the gray hairs in Carlos's hair had multiplied dramatically Elena whispered a woman sitting behind her you must be strong strong Maria Elena replied in a broken whisper how am I supposed to be strong when I lost my baby and now I could lose my son the prosecutor Javier Rosalez stood up he was a thin and Tall Man known for his meticulousness and his ability to build solid cases your honor before proceeding with the reading of the sentence the prosecution would like to make a final summary of The Facts proven during the trial proceed Mr

prosecutor judge Ramirez granted on September 15th Rosales began approximately at 2345 hours on a Maria Suarez Morales barely 3 weeks old was found lifeless in her crib the autopsy revealed that death was caused by asphixiation Alena sobbed audibly and Carlos wrapped his arm around her the evidence is conclusive continued the prosecutor the defendant's fingerprints were found on a pillow used to commit the crime Mrs beatric conteras a neighbor of the family testified to having seen the defendant leave the victim's room at the approximate time of death at that moment the door to the room opened

silently and a middle-aged woman hurriedly entered sitting in the last row it was Miguel's teacher Carmen Valdez who had asked for permission at school to be present furthermore Rosales continued experts have testified about the defendant's erratic behavior in the days prior to the incident his teacher reported changes in his conduct moments of mental absence during classes and a particular incident where the defendant broke down crying without apparent explanation during recess Carmen shifted uncomfortably in her seat those details provided with the best intention during her testimony now weighed like lead on her conscience your honor Mendoza

intervened standing up the defense would like to remind the court that we are talking about a 12-year-old child an exemplary student until recently with no history of violence objection your honor Rosales interrupted we have already discussed these points extensively during the trial sustained replied the judge attorney Mendoza I understand your position but we are in the sentencing phase Miguel remained seated apparently oblivious to everything happening around him his eyes fixed on his handcuffed hands seemed to be seeing something very far away Miguel whispered Mendoza leaning towards him do you want to say anything before the

sentence silence was his only respon response Dr Patricia roas the forensic psychologist who had evaluated Miguel watched attentively from her seat during the evaluation sessions the boy had maintained the same impenetrable silence responding only with gestures to the most basic questions in view of the gravity of the offense continued the judge and considering all the reports presented including the psychological evaluations that determin that the accused understands the nature of his actions Elena began to rock gently in her seat a movement that recalled how she used to cradle her baby Carlos kept his gaze fixed on

his son as if trying to decipher an impossible puzzle at that moment the door opened again and a tired looking man entered the room it was Roberto Elena's brother who had temporarily moved into the family home to help after Anna Maria's birth this court has carefully considered the defendant's age the judge continued however the premeditated nature of the crime evidenced by witness statements and forensic evidence cannot be ignored a ray of sunlight filtered through the high Windows of the room Illuminating Miguel's face for a moment everyone could see what he really was a small and

frightened child lost in a world of adults and consequences that seemed too big for him Miguel unhel Suarez Morales the judge's voice resonated in the room this court finds you guilty of first-degree homicide considering the mitigating circumstances of your age but also the gravity of the crime committed you are sentenced to 9 years in a juvenile detention center the bang of the gavel resonated like thunder in the room Elena collapsed in her husband's arms while Roberto from the back of the room covered his face with his hands no shouted Carmen the teacher standing up he's

just a child Order in the Court exclaimed the judge striking his gavel again Miguel finally raised his gaze his eyes scanning the room as if seeing it for the first time he paused for a moment on his uncle Roberto and something indefinable crossed his face Miguel Elena sobbed trying to approach her son but being stopped by the officers my child Mrs Suarez the judge intervened in a softer voice you will have time to say goodbye to your son before his transfer the officers approached Miguel to escort him out of the room as they began to

move Dr roas observed something that Disturbed her when Uncle Roberto moved toward the exit Miguel's body visibly tensed and His Hands began to tremble more strongly the defendant will be transferred this afternoon to the San unheld Juvenile Detention Center announced the judge the session is adjourned as the room began to empty Dr roas stayed watching the scene an uncomfortable feeling growing inside her there was something in Miguel's eyes in his silence in his reactions something that didn't quite fit but for now Miguel unhel Suarez Morales 12 years old was officially the youngest killer in the

city's recent history and nobody except him knew the true story behind the tragedy that had destroyed his family the room began to empty slowly the journalists who had remained silent during the session now crowded at the exit their voices mixing in a growing murmur as they discussed the details of the case that was shocking the city Elena Elena called Maria running after her friend who was walking like a sleepwalker toward the exit you can't leave like this wait for the car Carlos stopped holding his wife by the shoulders Maria is right my love there are

journalists outside what does it matter now Elena replied in an absent voice my baby is dead my son my Miguel Roberto approached them his steps echoing in The Almost Empty hallway I'll take you home my car is in the back parking lot will avoid the Press attorney Mendoza approached the group his briefcase pressed against his chest like a shield Mr and Mrs Suarez I need to talk to you about the appeal process we still have options options Carlos turned abruptly what options didn't you see what happened in there my son didn't even speak he didn't

defend himself precisely because of that insisted Mendoza lowering his voice his silence his behavior all of this could be grounds for an appeal Dr roas agrees that he needs more psychological evaluations Dr roas Who was collecting her notes looked up at hearing her name she approached the group adjusting her thinf framed glasses Mr and Mrs Suarez she intervened with a soft but firm voice there are aspects of Miguel's behavior that deeply concern me this is not the typical profile of a violent child and why didn't you say that during the trial demanded Carlos his voice

breaking I did replied the doctor but without Miguel's cooperation without him speaking my son is not violent interrupted Elena her voice barely a whisper you don't know him when Anna Maria was born he was so happy he decorated the room with his own drawings he sang lullab to her Roberto cleared his throat Elena you should go home to rest it's been very tough weeks teacher Carmen who had been listening in silence stepped forward I I would like to say something everyone turned to look at her Miguel was always a special child sensitive protective of his

classmates the day that that all this happened he had been different he wasn't himself different how asked Dr roas quickly taking out her notebook well Carmen hesitated looking at Elena with concern he was quieter than normal during recess I found him sitting alone on the stairs when I approached I saw he was crying I asked him what was wrong but he just looked at me with with so much fear in his eyes Elena put a hand to her chest why didn't you tell me this before I mentioned it during my testimony replied Carmen nervously twisting

her purse but the prosecutor he used it as evidence of his erratic Behavior at that moment the back doors opened and two officers appeared escorting Miguel the group fell silent watching as the boy walked with his head down his steps small and measured my love Elena tried to approach but Roberto stopped her ma'am said one of the officers you can see your son before the transfer but now we must take him to the processing room Miguel briefly lifted his gaze his eyes normally a warm Brown like his mother's seemed almost black under the fluorescent hallway

light for a a moment his gaze met his uncle Roberto and his entire body visibly tensed Dr roas watching attentively wrote something in her notebook Miguel called Mendoza softly do you want to say something to your parents silence was his only response the officers continued their way taking the boy down the long hallway I need to go to the bathroom Elena suddenly muttered moving away from the group I'll go with you Maria offered but Roberto intervened I'll accompany her he said following his sister Dr roas watched as they walked away her eyes narrowed with concern

there was something in the family dynamics that she couldn't quite understand pieces of a puzzle that didn't fit Mr Mendoza she finally said could we talk in private the lawyer nodded and both walked away down the hallway as they walked the doctor frantically flipped through her notes there's something we're not seeing she muttered something important what do you mean asked Mendoza Miguel's reactions his selective silence and especially his physical responses to certain stimuli I've worked with traumatized children for 20 years and there are patterns that their conversation was interrupted by a heart-wrenching scream coming from

the women's bathroom it was Elena's voice Carlos ran toward the sound followed by Maria and others present when they arrived they found Elena on her knees on the bathroom floor holding a crumpled photograph of Anna Maria while Roberto tried to calm her my baby Elena screamed my babies how did this happen how Dr roas observed the scene from the door her mind working at full speed there was something in the way Miguel had looked at his uncle something in the way Roberto moved around the family but for now they were just suspicions and while she

contemplated her theories a 12-year-old boy was being processed to begin a 9-year sentence for a crime that she was beginning to suspect hit a much darker truth than anyone imagined evening was beginning to fall over the city and somewhere in the building Miguel anhel Suarez Morales kept a secret that weighed more than all the chains in the world the San unheld Juvenile Detention Center stood as a gray and imposing structure on the outskirts of the city two weeks had passed since the initial sentence and Miguel anhel Suarez's case was still the main topic of conversation

in local news how is he eating asked Elena sitting in the visiting room across from the social worker Sandra Gutierrez her fingers nervously played with the edge of her black Shaw the same one she had worn at Anam Maria's funeral Sandra consulted her notes he's improved a bit at least now he eats half of his meals and is he still not talking Carlos leaned forward the dark circles under his eyes evidencing his sleepless nights I'm afraid so replied Sandra although Dr Torres our resident psychologist notices certain changes in his behavior what kind of changes Elena's

voice sounded anxious well he started drawing mainly during his therapy sessions Sandra pulled out some sheets from her folder there quite intense for a child his age the drawings showed dark figures threatening Shadows over what appeared to be a crib Elena choked back a sob at seeing them Miss Gutierrez intervened attorney Mendoza who had been taking notes in silence do you consider Miguel to be in a condition to appear at next week's review hearing honestly I don't know replied Sandra but judge Ramirez has insisted on his presence at that moment the door to the room

opened and Dr Torres rushed in excuse the interruption he said adjusting his glasses but I think you should see this the group followed Dr Torres to a small observation room through the one-way glass they could see Miguel sitting at a table with papers and crayons in front of him Dr roas was already there watching attentively how long has he been like this asked the doctor without taking her eyes off the glass approximately an hour replied Tores it started shortly after we informed him about next week's hearing Miguel was drawing frantically his small hands moving almost

without stopping over the paper from time to time he would stop stare intently at his work and then crumple it forcefully before starting a new one can I Elena swallowed can I go in to see him Sandra and Torres exchanged glances I'm not sure that's the best moment Sandra began please insisted Elena HEK my son after a moment of hesitation Torres nodded all right but only you Mrs Suarez and we must keep the session under observation Elena entered the room silently Miguel didn't lift his gaze from his drawing Miguel my love whispered Elena sitting across

from him mom is here Miguel's pencil stopped for a moment but then continued its frantic movement over the paper what are you drawing my dear Elena tried to look at the paper but Miguel immediately covered it with his arms behind the glass Dr roas was taking notes quickly protective Behavior over his drawings possible manifestation of a secret my love continued Elena her voice breaking we all very worried about you your dad your teachers even Uncle Roberto asks about you every day at the mention of Roberto the pencil in Miguel's hand broke in half Dr roas

leaned forward her eyes narrowed did you see that what asked Carlos his reaction to mentioning his uncle it's the second time his reaction to mentioning his uncle it's the second time I've noticed something similar inside the room Elena kept trying to connect with her son Miguel my life if there's anything you want to tell me anything Miguel looked up for the first time his eyes meeting his mother's for a moment it seemed like he was going to speak his lips trembled slightly Mrs Suarez the door burst open and Roberto rushed in I'm sorry but it's

urgent there's been a problem at home the effect was immediate Miguel jumped up knocking over the chair and backed into the corner of the room Miguel Elena stood up to go after him but Roberto stopped her Elena really it's urgent there's been a fire in the kitchen I don't care about the kitchen Elena shouted trying to break free my son needs me Elena please Roberto insisted pulling her arm the firefighters are there they need you to sign the tension in the room was palpable Miguel from his Corner was visibly shaking his eyes fixed on his

uncle with a mixture of Terror and something else anger sir Dr Torres intervened this is a controlled environment you cannot burst in like this I'm sorry do Roberto replied but it's a family emergency Elena looked between her brother and her son clearly torn Miguel my love I'll be back soon okay mom has to that's when it happened the combination of stress anguish and the sudden Interruption was too much for Elena her eyes rolled back and her body collapsed Elena several voices shouted in unison Carlos and Roberto ran to hold her while Dr Torres called for

emergency services in the midst of chaos something extraordinary happened Miguel stepped forward his lips moving silently Dr roas was the first to notice everyone quiet she ordered Miguel is trying to speak the room fell completely silent except for Elena's soft moans as she began to regain Consciousness D don't Miguel's voice was barely a whisper horse from weeks without use don't don't touch her everyone froze Roberto who was holding Elena's head looked at him confused what Miguel Dr roas approached carefully what are you trying to tell us but the moment had passed Miguel retreated back to

his Corner silence taking possession of him again like a protective blanket the paramedics arrived minutes later attending to Elena while everyone tried to process what had just happened we need to take her to the hospital for a complete evaluation announced one of the paramedics her blood pressure is very high I'll go with her Roberto offered no Dr roas intervened firmly Mr Suarez will go with his wife you Mr Roberto and I need to talk Roberto seemed surprised about what about your nephew's reaction to your presence replied the doctor her eyes fixed on him and about

those drawings as they wheeled Elena out on the stretcher Miguel remained in his Corner his eyes following every movement Dr roas noticed that his hands were tightly holding one of the drawings he had been making Miguel she said softly can I see that drawing the boy hesitated for a moment then slowly extended the crumpled paper toward her the doctor took it carefully and smoothed it out what she saw made her hold her breath it was a drawing of a dark figure bent over a crib with a smaller shadow in the background watching Dr Torres called

Dr roas without taking her eyes off the drawing I think we need to schedule an emergency session and I need you to contact judge Ramirez immediately why asked Roberto taking a step toward her what's going on Dr roas looked up from the drawing her eyes meeting Roberto's that's exactly what we're going to find out Mr Roberto exactly what we're going to find out in his Corner Miguel had begun to rock gently his lips moving silently as if rehearsing words he wasn't yet ready to say the silence that had protected him for weeks was beginning to

crack and through those cracks a terrible truth was struggling to emerge the next hearing SCH for the following week promised to be much more revealing than anyone expected the hours following Elena's collapse were a whirlwind of activity at the Detention Center DR roas had requested a private room to interrogate Roberto while Dr Torres tried to calm Miguel I don't understand why I need to stay Roberto protested sitting uncomfortably in a small office my sister is in the hospital and she's with her husband replied Dr roas organizing her notes what I need to discuss with you

is equ urgent Sandra Gutierrez the social worker joined them with a thick folder under her arm I have the visit records you requested doctor excellent roas nodded Mr Roberto could you explain exactly what your role was in the house after Anam Maria's birth Roberto shifted in his chair I already declared all this during the trial I moved in temporarily to help with the baby Elena needed support especially during the nights and where did you sleep in the guest room next to Roberto stopped swallowing next to Anna Maria's room Dr roas made a note and Miguel

where was his room across the hallway Roberto replied his voice tightening where are you going with this at that moment there was a knock on the door it was Dr Torres excuse the interruption he said but Miguel is different he started writing writing Dr roas stood up immediately what is he writing I don't know replied Torres he won't let us see the paper but he hasn't stopped for half an hour Roberto also stood up I should leave now you're not going anywhere Dr roas said firmly Sandra could you stay with Mr Roberto Dr Torres and

I will go see Miguel in the observation room Miguel was sitting at the same table but this time with a notebook in front of him his hand moved quickly over the paper writing what appeared to be words repeated over and over did you try to approach asked Ro yes replied A Nurse who was in the room but he gets upset if anyone tries to see what he's writing Dr roas observed the boy through the glass his posture was tense protective as if you were guarding a precious and terrible Secret at the same time I'm going

in she announced but I need you to keep Roberto away from this area understood Torres nodded and the doctor entered the room softly hello Miguel she said in a low voice keeping her distance is it okay if I sit here with you Miguel didn't respond but he didn't show signs of distress either the doctor took this as a positive sign and sat at the opposite end of the table you know she continued taking out the drawing Miguel had given her earlier I've been thinking a lot about this drawing the small figure watching is that you

Miguel's hand stopped for a moment but then continued writing sometimes she continued when we see things that frighten us very much our brain tries to protect us by making us keep quiet but silence can be very heavy right the words Miguel was writing began to get larger more frantic Miguel the doctor's voice was soft but firm would you like us to read together what you're writing for the first time since she entered Miguel looked up from the paper his eyes were full of tears I I can't he whispered so low that the doctor could barely

hear him why can't you Miguel he he said he would hurt mom the words came out broken barely audible behind the glass Torres held his breath it was the longest phrase Miguel had spoken in weeks who said that Miguel the doctor kept her voice calm although her heart was beating rapidly Miguel looked toward the door with Terror as if expecting someone to enter at any moment no one can hurt you here assured the doctor you're safe Miguel slowly pushed the notebook toward her on the pages written over and over were the words I'm sorry Anamaria

I'm sorry I couldn't stop him I'm sorry the doctor immediately noticed the change in the the last word it wasn't stop you anymore but stop him Miguel she said softly who couldn't you stop at that moment altered voices were heard outside the room Roberto's voice was clearly distinguishable I demand to see my nephew I'm his family Miguel shrank in his chair Terror visible on his face don't let him in shouted the doctor toward the glass but the damage was already done Miguel had returned to his state of Silence his hands trembling uncontrollably Dr roas stood

up quickly Torres she called toward the glass I need you to call Judge Ramirez now and contact the police I think we have enough to start a new investigation as she left the room she took one last look at Miguel the boy had gone back to drawing but this time his Strokes were different he wasn't drawing Shadows over a crib anymore but what appeared to be a closed door and a small figure sitting in front of it as if standing guard the truth was slowly emerging and Dr roas was beginning to understand the terrible way

that Miguel had been carrying all this time the silence was breaking but what would come after promised to be even more devastating than the silence itself the courtroom was Fuller than at the first hearing the case of the child killer as the media had dubbed it had captured national attention especially after rumors about new developments in the investigation judge Ramirez adjusted his glasses while reviewing the documents in front of him the last few days had been intense emergency psychological reports new statements and a series of disturb ing drawings that were now part of the case

File where's Roberto Elena whispered to her husband he said he would come I don't know replied Carlos noticing that his wife still looked pale after her Hospital stay maybe he's on his way Dr roas seated in the front row next to Dr Torres was frantically reviewing her notes she had worked day and night preparing her testimony knowing that what she would say today could change the course of the case the session is now open announced the judge striking his Gap we are here for the review hearing of the State versus Miguel anhel Suarez Morales case

I understand that the defense has new evidence to present attorney Mendoza stood up that's correct your honor we request that Dr Patricia Ras present her recent findings proceed granted the judge Dr roas walked to the stand her heels resonating in the Silence of the room after taking the oath she sat down and organized her documents Dr roas Mendoza began could you explain to the court what led you to request this emergency hearing of course she replied adjusting her glasses during the last few weeks I have been observing specific patterns in Miguel's behavior that suggest a

much more complex trauma than initially evaluated could you be more specific Miguel presents all the classic signs of what we call Selective traumatic silence it's different from common selective mutism this silence is directly related to a traumatic event or series of events that the patient feels they cannot reveal prosecutor Rosales stood up objection your honor we already discussed the accused psychological State during the initial trial your honor Dr roas intervened before the judge could respond I have new evidence that wasn't available during the initial trial the judge considered for a moment continue doctor but stick

to the new findings thank you your honor the doctor pulled several drawings from her folder these are drawings made by Miguel in recent days they show a consistent pattern a threatening figure over a crib and a smaller figure representing Miguel watching from afar and what does this suggest doctor asked Mendoza it suggests that Miguel wasn't the perpetrator of the crime but a witness a murmur ran through the room Elena choked back a sob furthermore continued the doctor we have noticed specific physical reactions in Miguel when the doors of the room burst open interrupting her Roberto

rushed in his face covered in sweat sorry for the delay there was traffic and the reaction was immediate Miguel who had been sitting silently next to his lawyer began to visibly tremble your honor Dr roas leaned forward this is exactly what I was referring to observe Miguel's reaction to his uncle's presence judge Ramirez narrowed his eyes watching the scene carefully doctor the prosecutor intervened are you suggesting that the accused uncle has some connection to the case objection Mendoza jumped in speculation sustained replied the judge prosecutor Rosalez allowed the doctor to present her evidence without interruptions

Dr roas pulled out more documents during the last sessions Miguel began to write he repeated one phrase over and over I'm sorry Anam Maria I couldn't stop him I'm sorry and what's relevant about that asked the prosecutor the change in the text replied the doctor initially Miguel wrote stop you but in his later writings it changed to stop him this combined with his reactions to his uncle's presence suggests a pattern the silence that followed was deafening All Eyes turned to Roberto who had visibly paled this is ridiculous Roberto protested standing up he's my nephew I

took care of Anna Maria Order in the Court the judge struck his gavl that's when it happened Miguel's voice small but clear broke the silence I I was protecting her Elena brought her hands to her mouth Carlos leaned forward holding his breath Miguel said Dr roas softly who are you protecting Miguel looked around his eyes stopping on each familiar face until reaching his uncle Roberto took a step toward him but two court officers moved to block him that night continued Miguel his voice trembling I saw someone in her room in whose room Miguel asked the

judge leaning forward Anna Maria tears began to run down Miguel's cheeks it wasn't the the first time I'd seen him come in at night who did you see coming in Miguel Dr Rojas voice was soft but firm Miguel closed his eyes tightly Uncle Roberto I had seen him before with Maria Jose your four-year-old sister asked the doctor although she already knew the answer a choked cry escaped from Elena Carlos jumped to his feet his face contorted with rage lies shouted Roberto trying to make his way toward Miguel he's lying restrain that man ordered the judge

the officers grabbed Roberto as he continued shouting Elena tell them tell them I took care of the children but Elena was paralyzed her eyes fixed on her son as years of small signs and ignored warnings fell on her like an avalanche Miguel Dr roas kept her voice calm despite the chaos what happened that night with Anna Maria I I tried to stop him sobs shook Miguel's small body but he was Stronger when he left Anna Maria wasn't wasn't breathing anymore no Elena's scream resonated throughout the room no no no I just just tried to help

her continued Miguel with the pillow like on TV I tried to make her breathe again but it didn't work judge Ramirez removed his glasses rubbing his eyes in his 30 years on the bench he had rarely witnessed anything like this your honor prosecutor Rosalez stood up I request an immediate investigation into these accusations granted replied the judge officers escort Mr Roberto into custody prosecutor I want a search warrant for his phone and computer immediately Roberto struggled with the officers you can't believe him he's a killer you yourselves convicted him silence ordered the judge his voice

trembling with contained rage Mr Roberto Morales you are under arrest pending investigation for homicide and child abuse as they took Roberto away Miguel finally looked at his parents I'm sorry he whispered I just wanted to protect them Elena ran to her son the officer not trying to stop her this time she wrapped him in her arms as they both cried my child my child she repeated over and over rocking him as she did when he was a baby Dr roas discreetly wiped away a tear your honor I request Miguel's immediate release and psychological attention for

the entire family judge Ramirez nodded Gravely granted and doctor thank you for not giving up on him as the room began to empty the truth that had been hidden behind Miguel's silence had finally come to light a truth darker and more painful than anyone had imagined but one that would finally allow Justice to take its true course prosecutor Rosales quickly approached the judge while the officers escorted Roberto out of the room your honor he said in a low voice the police just reported that they found something on Roberto morales's phone apparently he had a second

device in his car judge Ramirez nodded Gravely proceed with the investigation prosecutor and I want police protection for the Suarez family especially for Maria Jose in the center of the room Carlos had joined Elena and Miguel's embrace the three formed a protective Circle as if trying to create a bubble that would isolate them from the horror they had just discovered Mr and Mrs Suarez Dr roas gently interrupted we need to take Miguel and Maria Jose for some examinations no Miguel clung more tightly to his mother I don't want to be separated from them that won't

be necessary intervened Dr Torres who had just entered the room we can conduct the evaluations at the hospital with their parents present Elena looked up her eyes red and swollen is Maria Jose okay I left her with the neighbor the police are already at your house assured prosecutor Rosales two officers are escorting her to the hospital right now teacher kman who had been observing everything from her seat approached timidly Miguel she said softly do you remember that day at school when I found you crying on the stairs Miguel nodded slowly you wanted to tell me

something that day didn't you I Miguel swallowed I wanted to tell you about Uncle Roberto but he said he would hurt Mom if I Carlos clenched his fists I'm going to kill him Mr Suarez the judge intervened firmly I understand your anger but now your family needs you more than ever Sandra Gutierrez who had been reviewing her notes approached the group there's something else we should investigate the records show that Roberto used to stay at the house even before Anna Maria's birth Elena turned pale yes he he offered to help when I was pregnant he

said I looked very tired oh my God exclaimed Carmen remembering something Maria Jose's absences there were days when she didn't come to school because she was sick and it was always when when Roberto stayed to take care of her Carlos completed his voice breaking Miguel began to tremble again I tried to stay awake watching but sometimes I couldn't my love Elena hugged her son tighter none of this is your fault none of it Dr Rojas approached the judge your honor I suggest we adjourn for today the family needs time to process all of this and

we need to prepare an appropriate treatment plan agreed replied the judge but first he addressed Miguel directly son I want you to know that you were very brave not just today but all these months you tried to protect your family in the best way you could Miguel looked at the judge with tearful eyes but Anna Maria it wasn't your fault interrupted the judge firmly you were a child trying to protect your sisters from a monster Justice will take care of him now at that moment an officer rushed into the room your honor we found something

in Roberto morales's car there are there are folks photos and videos out of the room ordered the judge noticing Miguel's presence prosecutor come with me as the judge and prosecutor left to receive the information Dr roas knelt in front of Miguel Miguel remember when I told you that sometimes our brain makes us keep quiet to protect us the boy nodded well now I need you to understand something very important you no longer need to protect us with your silence now it's our turn to protect you do you promise Miguel asked in a low voice I

promise replied the doctor and this time you won't be alone Carlos knelt beside his son Miguel forgive me as your father should have no dad Miguel interrupted surprising everyone with the firmness in his voice he fooled us all he was he was good at pretending Elena let out a sob all those nights he offered to take care of the children I thought he was helping us Mrs Suarez Sandra intervened don't torture yourself abusers are experts at manipulating families now the important thing is to focus on recovery judge Ramirez returned to the room his face visibly

disturbed by what he had just discovered the police have found substantial evidence he announced Gravely the case will be transferred to the special crimes unit and he looked at the Suarez family with compassion I'm afraid this might be bigger than we thought it appears that Roberto Morales might be connected to other similar cases a heavy side silence fell over the room the horror of what they were discovering seemed to grow by the moment what happens now asked Elena in a trembling voice now replied Dr roas we focus on healing One Step at a Time Miguel

looked at the drawings scattered on the table those that had helped reveal the truth with a trembling hand he took a pencil and began to draw something new a family his family standing together under a bright Sun the truth had come to light and although the path to Healing would be long and difficult at least now they could walk it together without the crushing weight of Silence in the days that followed Miguel Suarez's case became a catalyst for important changes in the Juvenile Justice System judge Ramirez deeply affected by what had happened convened a special

meeting with other judges and experts in children's law what happened with Miguel Suarez cannot happen again he declared to his colleagues we need more rigorous protocols for cases involving minors meanwhile at the Suarez home the family was beginning their long healing process Dr roas had established an intensive Family Therapy Program can I hang my new drawings Miguel asked one afternoon showing a series of colorful illustrations he had made during his art therapy session Elena smiled the first genuine smile in a long time of course my love where do you want to put them in Maria

Jose's room he replied so she has nice things to look at before going to sleep detective Gonzalez visited the family regularly to update them on the investigation one afternoon while having coffee with Elena and Carlos in the kitchen she shared important news we have identified three more members of the network she explained in a low voice making sure the children couldn't hear Roberto is cooperating with the prosecution in exchange for a sentence reduction I don't care what deal he makes Carlos replied firmly as long as he can never get near any child ever again he

won't assured the detective the charges he faces guarantee that he will spend the rest of his life in prison as school things were also changing teacher Carmen had implemented a special program about personal safety and the importance of speaking up when something isn't right Miguel she called one day after class would you like to help me with something special with what teacher we're preparing a presentation about courage and truth I thought maybe you could share some of your drawings Miguel considered it for a moment do you think that would help other children I'm sure it

would Carmen replied with a gentle smile Dr roas Who had come to pick up Miguel for his weekly session heard the conversation from the door Miguel she intervened remember that you're not obligated to do anything that makes you uncomfortable I know he replied but I want to help I don't want other children to go through what I did that night during family dinner Maria Jose asked a question that took Everyone by surprise Mommy can Anna Maria see us from Heaven a tense silence fell over the table Alena looked at Dr roas Who had been dining

with them seeking help Maria Jose Miguel answered before anyone else could I think she can and I think she's happy because now we're safe the little girl seemed satisfied with the answer and returned to her food Elena squeezed her son's hand under the table later that night as Dr roas Was preparing to leave Miguel stopped her at the door doctor he said in a low voice do you think I'll ever stop feeling guilty guilty about what Miguel for not speaking up sooner maybe if I had said something when it started with Maria Jose the doctor

knelt to be at his height Miguel listen listen to me carefully you were a child facing something terrible you did the best you could to protect your family the only person guilty is Roberto but no buts she interrupted gently every day you stayed Vigilant every night you tried to protect your sisters every drawing you made trying to tell your truth those were all acts of love and courage Miguel nodded slowly processing her words you know he said after a moment I've been thinking when I grow up I want to be like you like me yes

I want to help other children who are afraid to tell their truth Dr roas felt her eyes getting moist you would be excellent at that Miguel you've already shown you have a very wise heart from the kitchen Elena and Carlos watched the scene their own eyes filled with tears their son who had carried such a terrible weight on his small shoulders was now talking about helping others that night while everyone was sleeping Miguel got up silently and went to Anna Maria's old room which now served as a playroom on the dresser a photograph of his

baby sister smiled from a frame decorated with his drawings I did it Anna Maria he whispered I told the truth and although I miss you very much I know now you can rest in peace I don't have to keep any more secrets and so holding his parents' hands and with his little sister by his side Miguel unhel Suarez Morales walked into the daylight leaving behind the Shadows that had tormented him for so long the truth had triumphed over fear Justice over manipulation and although nothing could bring Anam Maria back at least now they could honor

her memory with the truth and Justice she deserved