{"id":824,"date":"2026-04-14T20:04:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T20:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/?p=824"},"modified":"2026-04-14T20:04:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T20:04:26","slug":"child-found-locked-in-attic-closet-while-parents-on-vacation_part3-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/?p=824","title":{"rendered":"Child Found Locked in Attic Closet While Parents on Vacation_PART3"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u00a0stood\u00a0in\u00a0my\u00a0kitchen\u00a0holding\u00a0the\u00a0phone,\u00a0feeling\u00a0a\u00a0grim\u00a0satisfaction\u00a0rise\u00a0through\u00a0the\u00a0anger.<\/p>\n

\n
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They\u00a0were\u00a0coming\u00a0home.<\/p>\n

They\u00a0were\u00a0going\u00a0to\u00a0face\u00a0what\u00a0they\u2019d\u00a0done.<\/p>\n

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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

I\u00a0called\u00a0Charlotte\u00a0immediately.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u00a0know,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cDennis\u00a0called.\u00a0They\u2019re\u00a0flying\u00a0back.\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cExpected,\u201d\u00a0Charlotte\u00a0replied.\u00a0I\u00a0could\u00a0hear\u00a0papers\u00a0shuffling. \u201cThey\u2019ll\u00a0lawyer\u00a0up\u00a0and\u00a0try\u00a0for\u00a0emergency\u00a0custody.\u00a0We\u2019ll\u00a0be\u00a0ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Over\u00a0the\u00a0next\u00a0few\u00a0days,\u00a0Sophie\u00a0lived\u00a0like\u00a0a\u00a0frightened\u00a0shadow.\u00a0She\u00a0followed\u00a0me\u00a0room\u00a0to\u00a0room,\u00a0staying\u00a0close\u00a0enough\u00a0to\u00a0touch\u00a0my\u00a0elbow\u00a0at\u00a0all\u00a0times.\u00a0At\u00a0night\u00a0she\u00a0woke\u00a0up\u00a0screaming,\u00a0disoriented,\u00a0eyes\u00a0wild.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0okay,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0would\u00a0whisper,\u00a0sitting\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0edge\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0bed. \u201cYou\u2019re\u00a0safe.\u00a0You\u2019re\u00a0not\u00a0there\u00a0anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u00a0would\u00a0cling\u00a0to\u00a0me\u00a0like\u00a0she\u00a0couldn\u2019t\u00a0believe\u00a0words\u00a0were\u00a0real.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0took\u00a0her\u00a0shopping\u00a0for\u00a0clothes\u00a0because\u00a0the\u00a0hospital\u00a0bag\u00a0wasn\u2019t\u00a0a\u00a0wardrobe.\u00a0In\u00a0the\u00a0store\u00a0she\u00a0stared\u00a0at\u00a0racks\u00a0of\u00a0children\u2019s\u00a0clothes\u00a0like\u00a0she\u2019d\u00a0never\u00a0been\u00a0allowed\u00a0to\u00a0choose\u00a0anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cPick\u00a0what\u00a0you\u00a0like,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said\u00a0gently.<\/p>\n

She\u00a0reached\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a0pink\u00a0dress\u00a0with\u00a0butterflies,\u00a0then\u00a0pulled\u00a0her\u00a0hand\u00a0back\u00a0like\u00a0she\u2019d\u00a0been\u00a0burned.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrisha\u00a0says\u00a0pink\u00a0is\u00a0tacky,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0whispered.<\/p>\n

My\u00a0jaw\u00a0tightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrisha\u2019s\u00a0not\u00a0here,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cDo\u00a0you\u00a0like\u00a0it?\u201d<\/p>\n

A\u00a0tiny\u00a0nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0yours,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

We\u00a0filled\u00a0the\u00a0cart:\u00a0pajamas\u00a0with\u00a0cartoons,\u00a0shoes\u00a0that\u00a0actually\u00a0fit,\u00a0socks\u00a0with\u00a0little\u00a0animals\u00a0on\u00a0them.\u00a0At\u00a0checkout,\u00a0the\u00a0total\u00a0was\u00a0nearly\u00a0five\u00a0hundred\u00a0dollars.\u00a0I\u00a0handed\u00a0over\u00a0my\u00a0card\u00a0without\u00a0flinching.<\/p>\n

Sophie\u00a0stared\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0bags\u00a0in\u00a0disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs\u00a0this\u2026\u00a0all\u00a0for\u00a0me?\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll\u00a0for\u00a0you,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said.<\/p>\n

Four\u00a0days\u00a0after\u00a0Dennis\u2019s\u00a0call,\u00a0there\u00a0was\u00a0pounding\u00a0on\u00a0my\u00a0apartment\u00a0door\u00a0that\u00a0rattled\u00a0the\u00a0frame.<\/p>\n

Sophie\u00a0froze\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0couch,\u00a0a\u00a0crayon\u00a0clutched\u00a0in\u00a0her\u00a0fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0okay,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0told\u00a0her,\u00a0keeping\u00a0my\u00a0voice\u00a0calm. \u201cStay\u00a0here.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u00a0opened\u00a0the\u00a0door\u00a0with\u00a0the\u00a0chain\u00a0still\u00a0on.<\/p>\n

Dennis\u00a0stood\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0hallway,\u00a0eyes\u00a0bloodshot,\u00a0hair\u00a0messy,\u00a0suit\u00a0jacket\u00a0wrinkled\u00a0like\u00a0he\u2019d\u00a0slept\u00a0in\u00a0it.\u00a0Behind\u00a0him,\u00a0Trisha\u00a0hovered,\u00a0phone\u00a0in\u00a0her\u00a0hand.\u00a0Even\u00a0now,\u00a0she\u00a0looked\u00a0like\u00a0she\u00a0might\u00a0be\u00a0filming.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\u201cI\u00a0want\u00a0to\u00a0see\u00a0my\u00a0daughter,\u201d\u00a0Dennis\u00a0demanded. \u201cYou\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0keep\u00a0her\u00a0from\u00a0me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u00a0kept\u00a0her\u00a0in\u00a0an\u00a0attic,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cYou\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0get\u00a0to\u00a0talk\u00a0about\u00a0rights\u00a0like\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0yours\u00a0to\u00a0claim.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dennis\u2019s\u00a0face\u00a0went\u00a0red. \u201cYou\u00a0self-righteous\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u00a0spent\u00a0my\u00a0career\u00a0protecting\u00a0children\u00a0from\u00a0people\u00a0exactly\u00a0like\u00a0you,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0cut\u00a0in. \u201cSo\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0try\u00a0to\u00a0intimidate\u00a0me,\u00a0son.\u00a0It\u00a0won\u2019t\u00a0work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trisha\u00a0stepped\u00a0forward,\u00a0lifting\u00a0her\u00a0phone\u00a0slightly. \u201cThis\u00a0is\u00a0kidnapping,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0said,\u00a0voice\u00a0high. \u201cWe\u2019re\u00a0documenting\u00a0everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDocument\u00a0away,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cI\u2019ve\u00a0got\u00a0documentation\u00a0too:\u00a0hospital\u00a0records,\u00a0police\u00a0photos,\u00a0DHS\u00a0reports.\u00a0And\u00a0soon\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0have\u00a0your\u00a0bank\u00a0records\u00a0showing\u00a0where\u00a0Sophie\u2019s\u00a0money\u00a0went.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Dennis\u2019s\u00a0face\u00a0drained\u00a0white.<\/p>\n

Trisha\u2019s\u00a0phone\u00a0lowered\u00a0an\u00a0inch.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0leaned\u00a0closer\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0gap\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0door. \u201cGet\u00a0off\u00a0my\u00a0property\u00a0before\u00a0I\u00a0call\u00a0the\u00a0police\u00a0and\u00a0report\u00a0you\u00a0for\u00a0harassment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0over,\u201d\u00a0Dennis\u00a0spat,\u00a0but\u00a0his\u00a0voice\u00a0had\u00a0lost\u00a0its\u00a0certainty.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0just\u00a0beginning.\u00a0See\u00a0you\u00a0in\u00a0court.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u00a0closed\u00a0the\u00a0door.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Behind\u00a0me,\u00a0Sophie\u00a0stood\u00a0trembling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas\u00a0that\u00a0Daddy?\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cAnd\u00a0he\u2019s\u00a0leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs\u00a0he\u00a0mad\u00a0at\u00a0you\u00a0because\u00a0of\u00a0me?\u201d\u00a0Sophie\u00a0asked,\u00a0the\u00a0old\u00a0shame\u00a0rising\u00a0in\u00a0her\u00a0eyes.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0knelt\u00a0in\u00a0front\u00a0of\u00a0her,\u00a0forcing\u00a0her\u00a0to\u00a0meet\u00a0my\u00a0gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen\u00a0to\u00a0me,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said\u00a0gently. \u201cHe\u2019s\u00a0mad\u00a0because\u00a0he\u00a0got\u00a0caught\u00a0doing\u00a0something\u00a0wrong.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0not\u00a0your\u00a0fault.\u00a0None\u00a0of\u00a0this\u00a0is\u00a0your\u00a0fault.\u00a0Do\u00a0you\u00a0understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sophie\u00a0nodded,\u00a0but\u00a0I\u00a0could\u00a0see\u00a0doubt.\u00a0Children\u00a0always\u00a0blame\u00a0themselves.\u00a0I\u2019d\u00a0seen\u00a0it\u00a0a\u00a0thousand\u00a0times.<\/p>\n

That\u00a0night,\u00a0Charlotte\u00a0emailed\u00a0me\u00a0a\u00a0PDF\u2014Dennis\u2019s\u00a0bank\u00a0records,\u00a0subpoenaed.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0spent\u00a0hours\u00a0combing\u00a0through\u00a0them,\u00a0cross-referencing\u00a0dates\u00a0and\u00a0withdrawals\u00a0like\u00a0I\u00a0was\u00a0back\u00a0at\u00a0work.<\/p>\n

There\u00a0it\u00a0was.<\/p>\n

Every\u00a0month: $1,200\u00a0deposited\u00a0into\u00a0an\u00a0account\u00a0in\u00a0Sophie\u2019s\u00a0name.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

And\u00a0every\u00a0month:\u00a0withdrawals\u00a0for\u00a0Dennis\u2019s\u00a0lifestyle.\u00a0Car\u00a0dealership\u00a0payments.\u00a0Restaurants.\u00a0Clothing\u00a0stores\u00a0Trisha\u00a0frequented.\u00a0Travel\u00a0bookings.<\/p>\n

They\u00a0weren\u2019t\u00a0just\u00a0neglecting\u00a0Sophie.<\/p>\n

They\u00a0were\u00a0using\u00a0her\u00a0as\u00a0a\u00a0funding\u00a0source.<\/p>\n

As\u00a0I\u00a0stared\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0numbers,\u00a0a\u00a0memory\u00a0surfaced\u2014Dennis\u00a0at\u00a0eight\u00a0years\u00a0old,\u00a0waiting\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0window\u00a0for\u00a0my\u00a0car,\u00a0running\u00a0outside\u00a0when\u00a0I\u00a0pulled\u00a0in,\u00a0shouting,\u00a0Guess\u00a0what\u00a0happened\u00a0at\u00a0school?<\/em><\/p>\n

How\u00a0does\u00a0a\u00a0boy\u00a0become\u00a0the\u00a0man\u00a0who\u00a0locks\u00a0his\u00a0child\u00a0in\u00a0a\u00a0closet?<\/p>\n

I\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0have\u00a0time\u00a0to\u00a0answer\u00a0that\u00a0question\u00a0yet.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0only\u00a0had\u00a0time\u00a0to\u00a0stop\u00a0him.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0first\u00a0hearing\u00a0came\u00a0fast\u2014an\u00a0emergency\u00a0custody\u00a0hearing\u00a0at\u00a0Multnomah\u00a0County\u00a0Courthouse.\u00a0The\u00a0building\u00a0was\u00a0stern\u00a0concrete\u00a0downtown,\u00a0a\u00a0place\u00a0I\u2019d\u00a0sat\u00a0in\u00a0many\u00a0times\u00a0as\u00a0a\u00a0witness\u00a0during\u00a0my\u00a0career.<\/p>\n

Today\u00a0I\u00a0walked\u00a0in\u00a0as\u00a0a\u00a0petitioner.<\/p>\n

Charlotte\u00a0met\u00a0me\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0lobby,\u00a0sharp\u00a0gray\u00a0suit,\u00a0eyes\u00a0focused.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re\u00a0already\u00a0here,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0murmured. \u201cWith\u00a0counsel.\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0engage.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

In\u00a0the\u00a0waiting\u00a0area\u00a0outside\u00a0the\u00a0courtroom,\u00a0I\u00a0saw\u00a0Dennis\u00a0and\u00a0Trisha.<\/p>\n

Dennis\u2019s\u00a0suit\u00a0looked\u00a0expensive.\u00a0Trisha\u00a0wore\u00a0a\u00a0conservative\u00a0dress\u00a0that\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0match\u00a0her\u00a0usual\u00a0Instagram\u00a0style.\u00a0Someone\u00a0had\u00a0coached\u00a0them.<\/p>\n

Their\u00a0lawyer,\u00a0Robert\u00a0Chen,\u00a0shuffled\u00a0papers,\u00a0speaking\u00a0low.<\/p>\n

Trisha\u00a0spotted\u00a0me\u00a0first.\u00a0Her\u00a0eyes\u00a0narrowed.\u00a0She\u00a0whispered\u00a0something\u00a0to\u00a0Dennis,\u00a0and\u00a0he\u00a0turned,\u00a0anger\u00a0flaring\u00a0across\u00a0his\u00a0face\u2014then\u00a0something\u00a0else\u00a0underneath.<\/p>\n

Fear.<\/p>\n

Judge\u00a0Sandra\u00a0Pierce\u00a0presided.\u00a0Late\u00a0fifties,\u00a0silver\u00a0hair,\u00a0eyes\u00a0that\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0tolerate\u00a0nonsense.\u00a0I\u2019d\u00a0been\u00a0in\u00a0her\u00a0courtroom\u00a0twice\u00a0years\u00a0ago.\u00a0She\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0remember\u00a0me,\u00a0and\u00a0I\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0need\u00a0her\u00a0to.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

I\u00a0needed\u00a0her\u00a0to\u00a0see\u00a0the\u00a0truth.<\/p>\n

Charlotte\u00a0presented\u00a0our\u00a0case\u00a0like\u00a0a\u00a0surgeon:\u00a0clean\u00a0incisions,\u00a0no\u00a0wasted\u00a0motion.<\/p>\n

Discovery\u00a0of\u00a0Sophie\u00a0in\u00a0an\u00a0attic\u00a0closet.<\/p>\n

Medical\u00a0reports:\u00a0malnourishment,\u00a0dehydration,\u00a0trauma\u00a0signs.<\/p>\n

Rosa\u2019s\u00a0testimony.<\/p>\n

Photographs\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0attic\u00a0space:\u00a0wardrobe,\u00a0mattress,\u00a0dishes.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Judge\u00a0Pierce\u2019s\u00a0expression\u00a0hardened\u00a0with\u00a0each\u00a0piece.<\/p>\n

Chen\u00a0tried\u00a0to\u00a0spin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour\u00a0honor,\u201d\u00a0he\u00a0said, \u201cthis\u00a0is\u00a0a\u00a0gross\u00a0misrepresentation.\u00a0My\u00a0clients\u00a0were\u00a0renovating\u00a0the\u00a0attic.\u00a0The\u00a0space\u00a0was\u00a0temporary\u00a0while\u00a0they\u00a0prepared\u00a0a\u00a0proper\u00a0bedroom.\u00a0Mr.\u00a0Stanley\u201d\u2014he\u00a0gestured\u00a0at\u00a0me\u2014\u201cjumped\u00a0to\u00a0conclusions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlotte\u00a0stood. \u201cIf\u00a0I\u00a0may,\u00a0your\u00a0honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u00a0handed\u00a0over\u00a0neighbor\u00a0statements\u2014people\u00a0who\u2019d\u00a0never\u00a0seen\u00a0a\u00a0child\u00a0in\u00a0eight\u00a0months.\u00a0No\u00a0school\u00a0drop-offs.\u00a0No\u00a0yard\u00a0play.\u00a0No\u00a0doctor\u00a0visits.<\/p>\n

Then\u00a0Charlotte\u00a0dropped\u00a0the\u00a0bank\u00a0records\u00a0like\u00a0a\u00a0hammer.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr.\u00a0Dennis\u00a0Stanley\u00a0deposits $1,200\u00a0monthly\u00a0into\u00a0an\u00a0account\u00a0for\u00a0Sophie,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0said. \u201cAnd\u00a0then\u00a0withdraws\u00a0the\u00a0funds\u00a0for\u00a0personal\u00a0expenses:\u00a0a\u00a0Tesla\u00a0purchase,\u00a0vacations,\u00a0designer\u00a0clothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judge\u00a0Pierce\u00a0looked\u00a0at\u00a0Dennis\u00a0over\u00a0her\u00a0glasses.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr.\u00a0Stanley,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0said,\u00a0voice\u00a0cold, \u201cis\u00a0this\u00a0accurate?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dennis\u00a0opened\u00a0his\u00a0mouth.\u00a0Closed\u00a0it.\u00a0Opened\u00a0it\u00a0again.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

His\u00a0lawyer\u00a0whispered,\u00a0but\u00a0Dennis\u00a0shook\u00a0his\u00a0arm\u00a0off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026\u00a0I\u00a0was\u00a0going\u00a0to\u00a0pay\u00a0it\u00a0back,\u201d\u00a0Dennis\u00a0muttered.<\/p>\n

Judge\u00a0Pierce\u2019s\u00a0eyes\u00a0narrowed. \u201cYou\u00a0were\u00a0going\u00a0to\u00a0pay\u00a0back\u00a0your\u00a0five-year-old\u00a0daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n

The\u00a0courtroom\u00a0went\u00a0silent.<\/p>\n

Judge\u00a0Pierce\u00a0ruled:\u00a0temporary\u00a0guardianship\u00a0remains\u00a0with\u00a0me.\u00a0Dennis\u00a0and\u00a0Trisha\u00a0barred\u00a0from\u00a0contact\u00a0pending\u00a0further\u00a0evaluation.\u00a0Full\u00a0psychological\u00a0assessment\u00a0ordered.\u00a0Case\u00a0referred\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0district\u00a0attorney\u00a0for\u00a0review.<\/p>\n

When\u00a0the\u00a0gavel\u00a0fell,\u00a0Dennis\u00a0looked\u00a0like\u00a0he\u2019d\u00a0been\u00a0punched.<\/p>\n

In\u00a0the\u00a0hallway\u00a0afterward,\u00a0he\u00a0tried\u00a0to\u00a0corner\u00a0me.<\/p>\n

\u201cDad,\u00a0please,\u201d\u00a0he\u00a0said,\u00a0voice\u00a0cracking\u00a0just\u00a0enough\u00a0to\u00a0sound\u00a0human. \u201cYou\u00a0have\u00a0to\u00a0understand\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u00a0understand\u00a0perfectly,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said,\u00a0stopping\u00a0and\u00a0facing\u00a0him. \u201cYou\u00a0had\u00a0a\u00a0daughter\u00a0who\u00a0needed\u00a0you.\u00a0You\u00a0hid\u00a0her\u00a0like\u00a0she\u00a0was\u00a0shame.\u00a0You\u00a0stole\u00a0from\u00a0her.\u00a0You\u00a0chose\u00a0image\u00a0over\u00a0your\u00a0child.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Trisha\u00a0hissed\u00a0behind\u00a0him, \u201cYou\u00a0ruined\u00a0our\u00a0lives,\u00a0old\u00a0man.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u00a0looked\u00a0at\u00a0her,\u00a0really\u00a0looked\u00a0at\u00a0her\u2014designer\u00a0nails,\u00a0curated\u00a0face,\u00a0eyes\u00a0that\u00a0had\u00a0smiled\u00a0for\u00a0thousands\u00a0of\u00a0followers\u00a0while\u00a0a\u00a0child\u00a0sobbed\u00a0above\u00a0her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour\u00a0life\u00a0was\u00a0ruined\u00a0the\u00a0moment\u00a0you\u00a0decided\u00a0a\u00a0child\u00a0was\u00a0disposable,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said\u00a0quietly. \u201cI\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0do\u00a0this.\u00a0You\u00a0did.\u201d<\/p>\n

We\u00a0walked\u00a0away,\u00a0leaving\u00a0them\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0corridor\u00a0with\u00a0reporters\u00a0beginning\u00a0to\u00a0gather.<\/p>\n

Back\u00a0at\u00a0my\u00a0apartment,\u00a0Sophie\u00a0colored\u00a0at\u00a0her\u00a0new\u00a0desk\u2014an\u00a0art\u00a0table\u00a0I\u2019d\u00a0bought\u00a0because\u00a0she\u00a0deserved\u00a0one.\u00a0She\u00a0drew\u00a0a\u00a0house\u00a0with\u00a0flowers,\u00a0a\u00a0bright\u00a0sun\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrandpa,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0asked\u00a0without\u00a0looking\u00a0up, \u201ccan\u00a0we\u00a0plant\u00a0real\u00a0flowers?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\u201cWe\u00a0can\u00a0plant\u00a0a\u00a0whole\u00a0garden,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said,\u00a0and\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0first\u00a0time\u00a0in\u00a0days,\u00a0a\u00a0smile\u00a0came\u00a0naturally.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0court-appointed\u00a0psychologist,\u00a0Dr.\u00a0Helen\u00a0Morales,\u00a0visited\u00a0my\u00a0apartment\u00a0a\u00a0week\u00a0later.\u00a0Kind\u00a0eyes.\u00a0Soft\u00a0voice.\u00a0She\u00a0met\u00a0Sophie\u00a0five\u00a0times\u00a0over\u00a0ten\u00a0days,\u00a0using\u00a0toys\u00a0and\u00a0drawings\u00a0to\u00a0coax\u00a0truth\u00a0out\u00a0gently.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0stayed\u00a0out\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0sessions,\u00a0but\u00a0sometimes\u00a0I\u00a0heard\u00a0Sophie\u2019s\u00a0voice\u00a0through\u00a0the\u00a0door\u2014hesitant,\u00a0then\u00a0crying,\u00a0then\u00a0quiet.<\/p>\n

After\u00a0the\u00a0third\u00a0session\u00a0Dr.\u00a0Morales\u00a0pulled\u00a0me\u00a0aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr.\u00a0Stanley,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0said\u00a0gently, \u201cwhat\u00a0this\u00a0child\u00a0experienced\u00a0is\u00a0severe.\u00a0Isolation.\u00a0Neglect.\u00a0Emotional\u00a0abandonment.\u00a0She\u2019s\u00a0going\u00a0to\u00a0need\u00a0extensive\u00a0therapy.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\u201cWhatever\u00a0she\u00a0needs,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cShe\u00a0gets.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr.\u00a0Morales\u00a0nodded. \u201cShe\u00a0feels\u00a0safe\u00a0with\u00a0you.\u00a0That\u00a0matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

The\u00a0second\u00a0hearing\u00a0was\u00a0ten\u00a0days\u00a0later,\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0courtroom\u00a0was\u00a0more\u00a0crowded.\u00a0Trisha\u2019s\u00a0name\u00a0had\u00a0started\u00a0circulating.\u00a0Influencer.\u00a0Charged.\u00a0Child\u00a0in\u00a0attic.\u00a0People\u00a0love\u00a0tragedy\u00a0when\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0packaged\u00a0like\u00a0scandal.<\/p>\n

Charlotte\u00a0presented\u00a0Dr.\u00a0Morales\u2019s\u00a0report.\u00a0Thirty-seven\u00a0pages.\u00a0PTSD\u00a0symptoms,\u00a0hypervigilance,\u00a0nightmares,\u00a0anxiety,\u00a0delays\u00a0in\u00a0speech\u00a0and\u00a0social\u00a0development.<\/p>\n

When\u00a0Charlotte\u00a0read\u00a0excerpts\u00a0aloud,\u00a0Dennis\u00a0sat\u00a0pale\u00a0and\u00a0stiff.\u00a0Trisha\u00a0cried,\u00a0positioned\u00a0so\u00a0reporters\u00a0could\u00a0see.<\/p>\n

Then\u00a0came\u00a0security\u00a0footage\u2014doorbell\u00a0cameras\u00a0from\u00a0neighbors\u00a0showing\u00a0Dennis\u00a0and\u00a0Trisha\u00a0leaving\u00a0the\u00a0house\u00a0repeatedly\u00a0for\u00a0dinners\u00a0and\u00a0trips,\u00a0always\u00a0alone.\u00a0No\u00a0child.\u00a0Never.<\/p>\n

Charlotte\u00a0followed\u00a0with\u00a0credit\u00a0card\u00a0statements:\u00a0tens\u00a0of\u00a0thousands\u00a0on\u00a0restaurants,\u00a0travel,\u00a0clothing.\u00a0Almost\u00a0nothing\u00a0on\u00a0children\u2019s\u00a0needs.<\/p>\n

Judge\u00a0Pierce\u00a0listened,\u00a0expression\u00a0like\u00a0stone.<\/p>\n

Chen\u00a0tried\u00a0to\u00a0object.\u00a0Judge\u00a0Pierce\u00a0cut\u00a0him\u00a0off.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

Then\u00a0Charlotte\u00a0asked\u00a0for\u00a0permanent\u00a0guardianship\u00a0and\u00a0recommended\u00a0termination\u00a0of\u00a0parental\u00a0rights.<\/p>\n

Trisha\u00a0stood\u00a0and\u00a0burst\u00a0into\u00a0a\u00a0trembling\u00a0speech\u00a0about\u00a0misunderstandings\u00a0and\u00a0renovations\u00a0and\u00a0how\u00a0I\u2019d\u00a0always\u00a0hated\u00a0her.<\/p>\n

Judge\u00a0Pierce\u00a0shut\u00a0her\u00a0down\u00a0with\u00a0a\u00a0single\u00a0sentence: \u201cMrs.\u00a0Stanley,\u00a0sit\u00a0down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then\u00a0she\u00a0looked\u00a0at\u00a0Dennis\u00a0and\u00a0asked\u00a0again,\u00a0coldly,\u00a0whether\u00a0he\u2019d\u00a0used\u00a0Sophie\u2019s\u00a0funds.<\/p>\n

Dennis\u00a0finally\u00a0whispered, \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The\u00a0confession\u00a0sucked\u00a0the\u00a0air\u00a0out\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0room.<\/p>\n

Judge\u00a0Pierce\u00a0ruled:\u00a0guardianship\u00a0stays\u00a0with\u00a0me.\u00a0No\u00a0contact\u00a0continues.\u00a0Case\u00a0referred\u00a0formally\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0district\u00a0attorney\u00a0for\u00a0criminal\u00a0charges.<\/p>\n

Outside\u00a0the\u00a0courthouse,\u00a0Dennis\u00a0tried\u00a0to\u00a0approach\u00a0me\u00a0again,\u00a0but\u00a0reporters\u00a0swarmed\u00a0him.\u00a0I\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0stop\u00a0to\u00a0watch\u00a0him\u00a0drown\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0narrative\u00a0he\u2019d\u00a0built.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

The\u00a0district\u00a0attorney\u00a0moved\u00a0fast.<\/p>\n

Charges\u00a0came\u00a0two\u00a0weeks\u00a0later:\u00a0child\u00a0neglect,\u00a0child\u00a0endangerment,\u00a0financial\u00a0exploitation\u00a0of\u00a0a\u00a0minor.<\/p>\n

Dennis\u00a0and\u00a0Trisha\u00a0were\u00a0arrested\u00a0on\u00a0a\u00a0Tuesday\u00a0morning.\u00a0Dennis\u00a0posted\u00a0bail,\u00a0but\u00a0the\u00a0arrest\u00a0record\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0care\u00a0about\u00a0his\u00a0money.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0local\u00a0news\u00a0ran\u00a0the\u00a0story\u00a0that\u00a0evening.\u00a0Dennis\u2019s\u00a0polished\u00a0LinkedIn\u00a0photo\u00a0beside\u00a0Trisha\u2019s\u00a0curated\u00a0Instagram\u00a0profile.\u00a0Then\u00a0footage\u00a0of\u00a0Cedar\u00a0Hill\u00a0Drive.\u00a0Then\u00a0the\u00a0phrase\u00a0no\u00a0parent\u00a0should\u00a0ever\u00a0hear: \u201cchild\u00a0found\u00a0in\u00a0attic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sophie\u00a0colored\u00a0quietly\u00a0at\u00a0my\u00a0kitchen\u00a0table\u00a0while\u00a0the\u00a0news\u00a0played.\u00a0She\u00a0drew\u00a0butterflies\u00a0and\u00a0flowers,\u00a0lines\u00a0still\u00a0shaky\u00a0but\u00a0improving.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\u201cGrandpa,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0asked\u00a0suddenly, \u201ccan\u00a0we\u00a0get\u00a0ice\u00a0cream\u00a0sometime?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u00a0can\u00a0get\u00a0ice\u00a0cream\u00a0whenever\u00a0you\u00a0want,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said.<\/p>\n

Dennis\u2019s\u00a0employer\u00a0put\u00a0him\u00a0on\u00a0leave,\u00a0then\u00a0fired\u00a0him.\u00a0Trisha\u2019s\u00a0sponsors\u00a0vanished\u00a0overnight.\u00a0Her\u00a0followers\u00a0dropped\u00a0in\u00a0waves.\u00a0She\u00a0posted\u00a0a\u00a0tearful\u00a0video\u00a0claiming\u00a0she\u00a0was\u00a0a\u00a0victim.\u00a0The\u00a0comments\u00a0destroyed\u00a0her.\u00a0She\u00a0deleted\u00a0it\u00a0within\u00a0a\u00a0day.<\/p>\n

They\u00a0tried\u00a0to\u00a0pressure\u00a0me\u00a0through\u00a0lawyers.\u00a0Charlotte\u00a0responded\u00a0with\u00a0one\u00a0sentence\u00a0every\u00a0time:\u00a0Our\u00a0client\u00a0will\u00a0not\u00a0negotiate.\u00a0See\u00a0you\u00a0in\u00a0court.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Sophie\u00a0began\u00a0kindergarten.\u00a0The\u00a0first\u00a0day\u00a0she\u00a0clung\u00a0to\u00a0my\u00a0hand\u00a0until\u00a0the\u00a0teacher\u00a0gently\u00a0coaxed\u00a0her\u00a0inside.\u00a0By\u00a0the\u00a0end\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0week\u00a0she\u00a0came\u00a0home\u00a0talking\u00a0about\u00a0blocks\u00a0and\u00a0crayons\u00a0and\u00a0a\u00a0boy\u00a0with\u00a0a\u00a0dinosaur\u00a0backpack.<\/p>\n

Small\u00a0victories.\u00a0Real\u00a0ones.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0plea\u00a0deal\u00a0came\u00a0in\u00a0August.\u00a0Dennis\u00a0and\u00a0Trisha\u00a0would\u00a0plead\u00a0guilty\u00a0to\u00a0child\u00a0neglect\u00a0and\u00a0financial\u00a0exploitation.\u00a0Sentencing\u00a0set\u00a0for\u00a0September\u00a015.<\/p>\n

Charlotte\u00a0asked\u00a0if\u00a0I\u00a0wanted\u00a0to\u00a0give\u00a0a\u00a0victim\u00a0impact\u00a0statement\u00a0on\u00a0Sophie\u2019s\u00a0behalf.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0wrote\u00a0it\u00a0carefully,\u00a0cutting\u00a0every\u00a0unnecessary\u00a0word,\u00a0because\u00a0sometimes\u00a0truth\u00a0hits\u00a0hardest\u00a0when\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0clean.<\/p>\n

On\u00a0sentencing\u00a0day,\u00a0gray\u00a0clouds\u00a0hung\u00a0low\u00a0over\u00a0Portland.\u00a0Sophie\u00a0stayed\u00a0home\u00a0with\u00a0Mrs.\u00a0Patterson,\u00a0a\u00a0retired\u00a0teacher\u00a0neighbor\u00a0who\u2019d\u00a0become\u00a0steady\u00a0comfort.<\/p>\n

Sophie\u00a0hugged\u00a0me\u00a0tight\u00a0before\u00a0I\u00a0left. \u201cWill\u00a0Daddy\u00a0be\u00a0there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cBut\u00a0he\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0hurt\u00a0you\u00a0anymore.\u00a0I\u00a0promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

In\u00a0court,\u00a0Dennis\u00a0and\u00a0Trisha\u00a0stood\u00a0to\u00a0allocute\u2014formal\u00a0admission\u00a0of\u00a0guilt.\u00a0Hearing\u00a0Dennis\u00a0say\u00a0the\u00a0words\u00a0out\u00a0loud\u2014admitting\u00a0he\u2019d\u00a0neglected\u00a0his\u00a0child\u2014felt\u00a0like\u00a0watching\u00a0a\u00a0dam\u00a0break.<\/p>\n

When\u00a0it\u00a0was\u00a0my\u00a0turn,\u00a0I\u00a0walked\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0podium\u00a0and\u00a0looked\u00a0at\u00a0Judge\u00a0Pierce,\u00a0then\u00a0at\u00a0Dennis.<\/p>\n

He\u00a0couldn\u2019t\u00a0meet\u00a0my\u00a0eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour\u00a0honor,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said,\u00a0voice\u00a0steady, \u201cI\u00a0spent\u00a0thirty-eight\u00a0years\u00a0protecting\u00a0children\u00a0from\u00a0abuse\u00a0and\u00a0neglect.\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0seen\u00a0terrible\u00a0things.\u00a0But\u00a0I\u00a0never\u00a0imagined\u00a0I\u2019d\u00a0find\u00a0my\u00a0own\u00a0granddaughter\u00a0living\u00a0in\u00a0conditions\u00a0I\u00a0spent\u00a0my\u00a0career\u00a0fighting\u00a0against.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u00a0described\u00a0Sophie\u2019s\u00a0weight.\u00a0Her\u00a0fear\u00a0of\u00a0darkness.\u00a0Her\u00a0nightmares.\u00a0Her\u00a0belief\u00a0that\u00a0she\u00a0was\u00a0bad.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0watched\u00a0Dennis\u2019s\u00a0jaw\u00a0clench\u00a0harder\u00a0with\u00a0each\u00a0sentence.\u00a0Trisha\u00a0cried\u00a0loudly.\u00a0I\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0look\u00a0at\u00a0her.<\/p>\n

Then\u00a0I\u00a0said\u00a0the\u00a0line\u00a0that\u00a0mattered\u00a0most.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe\u00a0best\u00a0thing\u00a0that\u00a0ever\u00a0happened\u00a0to\u00a0Sophie\u00a0Stanley\u00a0was\u00a0being\u00a0found,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cThe\u00a0best\u00a0thing\u00a0for\u00a0her\u00a0future\u00a0is\u00a0ensuring\u00a0the\u00a0people\u00a0who\u00a0hurt\u00a0her\u00a0face\u00a0real\u00a0consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Judge\u00a0Pierce\u00a0listened\u00a0without\u00a0expression.<\/p>\n

When\u00a0she\u00a0spoke,\u00a0her\u00a0voice\u00a0was\u00a0iron.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you did was systematic, calculated, and cruel,\u201d she told Dennis and Trisha. \u201cYou didn\u2019t make a mistake. You made a series of conscious choices.\u201d\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

Click Here to continuous Read\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b Full Ending Story\"\ud83d\udc49\": Child Found Locked in Attic Closet While Parents on Vacation_PART4(ENDING)<\/a><\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I\u00a0stood\u00a0in\u00a0my\u00a0kitchen\u00a0holding\u00a0the\u00a0phone,\u00a0feeling\u00a0a\u00a0grim\u00a0satisfaction\u00a0rise\u00a0through\u00a0the\u00a0anger. They\u00a0were\u00a0coming\u00a0home. They\u00a0were\u00a0going\u00a0to\u00a0face\u00a0what\u00a0they\u2019d\u00a0done. I\u00a0called\u00a0Charlotte\u00a0immediately. \u201cThey\u00a0know,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cDennis\u00a0called.\u00a0They\u2019re\u00a0flying\u00a0back.\u201d \u201cExpected,\u201d\u00a0Charlotte\u00a0replied.\u00a0I\u00a0could\u00a0hear\u00a0papers\u00a0shuffling. \u201cThey\u2019ll\u00a0lawyer\u00a0up\u00a0and\u00a0try\u00a0for\u00a0emergency\u00a0custody.\u00a0We\u2019ll\u00a0be\u00a0ready.\u201d Over\u00a0the\u00a0next\u00a0few\u00a0days,\u00a0Sophie\u00a0lived\u00a0like\u00a0a\u00a0frightened\u00a0shadow.\u00a0She\u00a0followed\u00a0me\u00a0room\u00a0to\u00a0room,\u00a0staying\u00a0close\u00a0enough\u00a0to\u00a0touch\u00a0my\u00a0elbow\u00a0at\u00a0all\u00a0times.\u00a0At\u00a0night\u00a0she\u00a0woke\u00a0up\u00a0screaming,\u00a0disoriented,\u00a0eyes\u00a0wild. \u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0okay,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0would\u00a0whisper,\u00a0sitting\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0edge\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0bed. \u201cYou\u2019re\u00a0safe.\u00a0You\u2019re\u00a0not\u00a0there\u00a0anymore.\u201d She\u00a0would\u00a0cling\u00a0to\u00a0me\u00a0like\u00a0she\u00a0couldn\u2019t\u00a0believe\u00a0words\u00a0were\u00a0real. I\u00a0took\u00a0her\u00a0shopping\u00a0for\u00a0clothes\u00a0because\u00a0the\u00a0hospital\u00a0bag\u00a0wasn\u2019t\u00a0a\u00a0wardrobe.\u00a0In\u00a0the\u00a0store\u00a0she\u00a0stared\u00a0at\u00a0racks\u00a0of\u00a0children\u2019s\u00a0clothes\u00a0like\u00a0she\u2019d\u00a0never\u00a0been\u00a0allowed\u00a0to\u00a0choose\u00a0anything. \u201cPick\u00a0what\u00a0you\u00a0like,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said\u00a0gently. She\u00a0reached\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a0pink\u00a0dress\u00a0with\u00a0butterflies,\u00a0then\u00a0pulled\u00a0her\u00a0hand\u00a0back\u00a0like\u00a0she\u2019d\u00a0been\u00a0burned. \u201cTrisha\u00a0says\u00a0pink\u00a0is\u00a0tacky,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0whispered. My\u00a0jaw\u00a0tightened. \u201cTrisha\u2019s\u00a0not\u00a0here,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. \u201cDo\u00a0you\u00a0like\u00a0it?\u201d A\u00a0tiny\u00a0nod. \u201cThen\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0yours,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. We\u00a0filled\u00a0the\u00a0cart:\u00a0pajamas\u00a0with\u00a0cartoons,\u00a0shoes\u00a0that\u00a0actually\u00a0fit,\u00a0socks\u00a0with\u00a0little\u00a0animals\u00a0on\u00a0them.\u00a0At\u00a0checkout,\u00a0the\u00a0total\u00a0was\u00a0nearly\u00a0five\u00a0hundred\u00a0dollars.\u00a0I\u00a0handed\u00a0over\u00a0my\u00a0card\u00a0without\u00a0flinching. Sophie\u00a0stared\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0bags\u00a0in\u00a0disbelief. \u201cIs\u00a0this\u2026\u00a0all\u00a0for\u00a0me?\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0asked. \u201cAll\u00a0for\u00a0you,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0said. Four\u00a0days\u00a0after\u00a0Dennis\u2019s\u00a0call,\u00a0there\u00a0was\u00a0pounding\u00a0on\u00a0my\u00a0apartment\u00a0door\u00a0that\u00a0rattled\u00a0the\u00a0frame. Sophie\u00a0froze\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0couch,\u00a0a\u00a0crayon\u00a0clutched\u00a0in\u00a0her\u00a0fist. \u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0okay,\u201d\u00a0I\u00a0told\u00a0her,\u00a0keeping\u00a0my\u00a0voice\u00a0calm. \u201cStay\u00a0here.\u201d I\u00a0opened\u00a0the\u00a0door\u00a0with\u00a0the\u00a0chain\u00a0still\u00a0on. … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18],"class_list":["post-824","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-story","tag-aita","tag-diamond-ring","tag-diamonds","tag-engagement","tag-engagement-ring","tag-fiance","tag-fiancee","tag-lab-grown-diamonds","tag-photo","tag-picture","tag-reddit","tag-relationships","tag-top","tag-wedding"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/824","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=824"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/824\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":828,"href":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/824\/revisions\/828"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=824"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/echostoryus.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}