Across the aisle sat Mr. Collins, the store owner.
He looked annoyed.
He had closed his business for several hours to attend the hearing, and he clearly wanted the matter resolved quickly.
“Your Honor, we are ready,” the court clerk announced.
Everyone stood.
An elderly judge entered the courtroom.
His name was Judge Samuel Bennett.
He had served on the bench for more than thirty years.
His silver hair was neatly combed, and his expression was serious without being harsh.
He had heard thousands of cases.He had seen anger, dishonesty, desperation, cruelty, and regret.
But he had also learned something that many people forgot.
A person’s worst decision did not always reveal the whole truth about their character.
Sometimes, it revealed the depth of their suffering.
Judge Bennett took his seat and reviewed the documents before him.
“Adam Miller,” he said.
Adam stood immediately.
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“How old are you?”
