The judge leaned forward, her voice soft and encouraging. "Mila, can you tell us who Elena aunty is?"
Mila sniffled and nodded, gathering a little courage as she looked up at the judge. "Elena aunty is our neighbor," she began, her voice quiet but growing steadier as she spoke. "She's really kind to me. She always smiles and listens to me. When I feel sad or scared, she gives me a hug and makes me feel better."
Mila's eyes brightened a bit as she spoke about Elena. "She let me keep my Tuffy with her," she continued, smiling a little as she remembered her small dog. "We play together in her garden. She lets me help water her flowers and sometimes we bake cookies together. She always makes sure I'm okay."
Mila hesitated for a moment, then added something that made everyone in the courtroom take notice. "The time when I was locked in the store room, it was Elena aunty who found me. She brought me out of the room. She comforted me and made sure that I was alright."
