His voice began to break.
“I didn’t know what else to do.”
The judge remained silent.
Adam continued.
“I know stealing is wrong. My mother taught me that. She would be ashamed if she knew.”
He wiped his eyes with his sleeve.
“But yesterday she hadn’t eaten, and this morning she could barely stand. I just wanted to bring her something.”
Several people shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
A woman in the second row pressed a hand against her mouth.
The police officer who had arrested Adam looked down at his notebook.
Even Mr. Collins seemed less certain than before.
Judge Bennett asked another question.
“Have you ever been arrested?”
“No, sir.”
“Have you been in trouble at school?”
“No, Your Honor.”
“What do your teachers say about you?”
Adam shrugged.
“I try to do well.”
“Do you want to finish school?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And what would you like to become?”
