Mr. Collins appeared satisfied.
But the judge was not finished.
“Now I want to ask you something else.”
“Yes, Your Honor?”
“Before today, did you know that this boy’s mother was ill?”
“No.”
“Did you know that he was trying to continue his education while looking for work?”
“No.”
“Did you know that their home had almost no food?”
Mr. Collins looked away.
“No.”
Judge Bennett folded his hands.
“Then perhaps there is more to this case than the price of a loaf of bread.”
Chapter 3: The Judge’s Unusual Decision
For several moments, Judge Bennett said nothing.
The courtroom waited.
Adam felt as though his heart might burst.
He expected to hear words about punishment, detention, or probation.
Instead, the judge reached into his pocket and removed his wallet.
He placed a twenty-dollar bill on the desk before him.
Then he looked directly at Adam.
“Young man, what you did was wrong.”
