“Fifteen, sir.”
The judge studied him.
“You’re accused of taking a loaf of bread from a grocery store without paying for it. Is that correct?”
Adam nodded.
“Please speak clearly.”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Did you take the bread?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Did you intend to pay for it?”
Adam hesitated.
He could have invented a story.
He could have claimed he had forgotten to pay.
But his mother had always told him that one wrong decision should never become an excuse for another.
“No, Your Honor.”
The courtroom became very still.
Judge Bennett leaned forward.
“Then tell me why you took it.”
Adam looked toward the floor.
“I was hungry.”
The judge waited.
Adam took a shaky breath.
“But it wasn’t just for me.”
“Go on.”
“My mother is sick. She lost her job. We don’t have much food anymore. I tried to find work, but I’m still in school, and I can’t earn enough.”
