The Final Goodbye

The morning sun filtered through the frosted windows of the courtroom as Emma sat on one side of the polished wooden table, her fingers clasped together in her lap. The atmosphere was muted, marked by the subdued murmur of voices and the occasional rustle of legal documents. Daniel was seated opposite her, his face a mask of controlled emotion, a stark contrast to the turbulent feelings Emma grappled with.

The courtroom was modest but dignified, decorated with rich mahogany furnishings and framed legal certificates on the walls. Today was the day of their divorce hearing, and while Emma had steeled herself for this moment, the weight of finality pressed down on her shoulders.

A middle-aged judge, his robes draped over his shoulders like a solemn mantle, entered the room and took his seat at the bench. The gavel came down with a measured thud, signaling the start of the proceedings.

“Welcome,” the judge said, glancing at the pair of them. “Let us proceed with the divorce settlement. A