Lost & Found

Chapter Eighteen

Present Day
22-Years-Old

Yoongi had an idea.

It was the day of the court hearing regarding Jungkook's situation and placement possibilities. Of course, Aera was going and of course, Yoongi was accompanying her. And he'd finally come up with an idea of how to help.

He just hoped it wouldn't actually end up hindering.

The two sat in the courtroom, Aera chewing on her thumbnail and Yoongi bouncing his leg. The judge eventually appeared and Yoongi took a deep breath.

"Your honor," Mrs. Kang got right to the point. "It's my opinion that the child should stay with Ms. Seong Aera. Everything I have witnessed in person with the two suggests anything but abuse."

"I understand the children's therapist has been unable to make a judgment either way," the judge replied.

"Yes, because the boy doesn't speak. He became mute due to the abuse and neglect in his former home. When he was fostered by Ms. Seong, he began speaking regularly. It was only when he was taken from her that he became mute again."

"He's been showing signs of depression," the judge continued. "This is rare for a five-year-old. I have to imagine that abuse could have played a part in that."

"He did not begin showing those signs until he was taken from Ms. Seong."

The judge sighed. "The allegations against her are very serious."

"I understand. But I think you should take into account my professional opinion as well as the boy's opinion."

The judge's eyebrows rose. "You think a mute five-year-old can express what he'd like to happen here?"

The case worker surreptitiously glanced over her shoulder at Aera. "Yes, your honor. If you bring him in here today, I have no doubt you'll get the answers you need concerning his opinion."

The judge paused for a very long time as everyone collectively held their breaths. Finally the judge nodded slightly.

"Alright. Though this is highly unorthodox, I understand your opinion and I am interested to see if the boy has one as well."

"Thank you, you honor."

It was only a few moments later that Jungkook was led into the courtroom by another social worker. He looked nervously around and just as he was about to turn his head toward the judge, he spotted Aera.

"MOMMY!"

Jungkook wrenched his hand from the social worker's and took off running toward Aera. Aera stood then dropped to her knees in the aisle. Jungkook flung himself at her and landed in her arms. "Mommy!"

"Jungkookie!"

"I missed you, mommy!"

Yoongi sat, staring at them in awe. Jungkook called Aera 'mommy'? That was simultaneously the cutest and strangest thing he'd ever heard. A child calling his best friend of fifteen years 'mommy' was not something he'd expected to hear.

The judge began banging his gavel. "Someone separate them!" The social worker who had brought Jungkook into the court room gently pulled Jungkook out of Aera's arms. It took a few moments, as Jungkook was clinging to Aera tightly.

Aera got back in her seat and watched as they led Jungkook to the front of the courtroom. The judge then addressed him. "Jungkook." Jungkook looked up at him, looking terrified.

"Jungkook, can you please explain to us what Ms. Seong has been doing during your time at her home?"

Jungkook just stared. Mrs. Kang cleared her throat. "Your honor, may I?"