Adam paused.
Before his mother became ill, he had dreamed of being a doctor.
He had wanted to help people the way doctors helped his mother.
But dreams had become difficult to think about when each day was spent worrying about dinner.
“I don’t know anymore,” he whispered.
Judge Bennett studied the boy for a long moment.
Then he turned to the store owner.
“Mr. Collins, how much was the bread worth?”
“Three dollars and fifty cents, Your Honor.”
“And have you recovered it?”
“Yes.”
“Was it damaged?”
“No.”
“Was anyone hurt?”
“No, Your Honor. But that isn’t the point.”
The judge raised an eyebrow.
“Then tell me what you believe the point is.”
The store owner straightened his shoulders.
“If people are allowed to steal because they’re hungry, what happens to businesses? I have employees to pay. I have bills too. There must be consequences.”
Judge Bennett nodded.
“You’re correct that rules matter. And I understand that small businesses cannot simply absorb every loss.”
