Thread by @Jose_Pagliery

Sitting in a nearly empty immigration court on Tuesday, the judge called the next case. In walks a 4-year-old Honduran girl, her hair in a dozen braids each with a black bow. She refused to sit in the chair.

She preferred to sit next to me in the back.
1/x

The translator leaned over, telling her about upcoming court dates & the importance of attending -- or being subject to a deportation order in absentia.

Of course this little darling had no idea what was going on. She blew raspberries my way & giggled the whole time.
2/x

The first time she responded to the judge was when she asked her age. The girl raised her right hand and four little fingers, then looked at me and smiled.

"Wow," I whispered to her. "Tienes cuatro años?"

She nodded, and all the bows swung in the air.

"Si!"

3/x

When it was all over, she didn't want to get up & leave. She seemed so content just sitting by my side and swinging her legs from the pew.

I complimented the rainbow unicorn on her jacket. It's cold outside & you should really put it on, it's such a beautiful jacket, I said.
4/x

The child care center worker held her hand, and they walked out.

I have no idea where her mom is. She has no idea where her mom is.

I couldn't stop thinking about little Merolin for the rest of the day.

5/5.