Page 78 of Unbound
Every word felt like a knife.
Sam testified first about conversion therapy survival. They described their own experience with clinical precision—the documented harms, the medical evidence of trauma, the suicide risk. On cross-examination, the parents' attorney tried to discredit them.
"But you're fine now, aren't you?"
Sam's voice was steady. "I'm alive. That's not the same as fine."
Rebecca testified next, confirming Jesse's parents' plan to take him to Montana Thursday. She described Jesse's terror, his state of mind, admitted she'd known he was gay and had been trying to protect him.
"So you enabled his delusion?" the parents' attorney asked.
Rebecca straightened, voice firm. "I tried to keep him alive and safe. That's not enabling, that's love."
I watched her own parents leave the courtroom in disgust. She'd just sacrificed her family for Jesse's freedom.
Then Professor Okonkwo called Jesse to the stand.
He could barely speak, hands shaking so hard he could barely be sworn in. Judge Burrows was gentle with him.
"Take your time, Mr. Miller."
Jesse described the first time at Restoration Ridge. Age fourteen, eight months of hell. Ice baths, electroshock, psychological torture designed to break him down and rebuild him into something his parents could accept. Coming home broken, living a lie for years because the truth was too dangerous.
About the kiss: "It was the first honest thing I'd done in my life. I think a part of me knew what it would cost. I did it anyway. Because I couldn't live another lie."
On cross-examination, the parents' attorney went for the throat. "So you chose to publicly humiliate your parents?"
Jesse was quiet for a long moment. Then: "I chose to be myself. For ten seconds, I chose to be myself. If that humiliated them, maybe they should examine why my truth is their shame."
The courtroom went dead silent. Even Judge Burrows looked moved.
She took a brief recess to consider. Returned within an hour—usually these decisions took days. This was serious.
"I've reviewed the evidence and testimony," Judge Burrows said."Kansas City Code prohibits conversion therapy for minors. While Mr. Miller is over eighteen, the Court recognizes the coercive nature of this situation. Financial dependence does not negate constitutional rights."
My heart was hammering. But then—
"However, I cannot issue a permanent protective order based on one hearing. Therefore, I'm issuing a temporary protective order. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are prohibited from removing Jesse Miller from the states of Kansas and Missouri. They are prohibited from contacting him directly or through third parties. Violation will result in contempt charges. We'll reconvene in two weeks for a full hearing."
The parents' attorney immediately stood. "Your Honour, my clients had plans to leave the state tomorrow."
Judge Burrows’ voice turned ice-cold. "Then they'll be in contempt and warrants will be issued for their arrest. I suggest they choose wisely."
Outside the courthouse, we celebrated and panicked in equal measure. We'd won the temporary order, but it was only temporary. And Jesse's parents had looked murderous leaving the courtroom.
"They could still ignore the order and take him anyway," Professor Okonkwo warned. "Contempt charges won't help if Jesse's already in Montana."
"So we watch him," I said. "Constantly."
"He doesn't go anywhere alone," Andrew added.
Rebecca approached, looking shell-shocked. "My parents just disowned me. Via text."
Diana stepped forward immediately. "You need a place to stay?"
Rebecca's surprise was obvious. "You'd let me stay with you? After everything?"
"You just sacrificed everything for Jesse," Diana said simply. "You're family now."
