Novel Storm
Chapter 100
As Estrella’s interview/video concluded, even she found her eyes welling up with tears. It was a stark reminder of the grim reality that even in today’s enlightened society, there
were
still places shrouded in darkness and mired in backward thinking.
The judge nodded. “Let’s hear the closing argument from the defense.”
Estrella stood up, her presence in the courtroom commanding as she addressed the judge and jury, “Ladies and gentlemen, through the testimony you’ve just heard, I believe you now understand the environment my client grew up in. You can see why he felt the need to flee the Manning household. It’s evident that his actions, however regrettable, were shaped by an upbringing in a wholly unhealthy environment beyond his control.”
“Considering the evidence presented during the previous session and today’s testimony, I urge Your Honor to consider a sentence that offers my client a chance for redemption, and a chance to start anew.”
After she finished, the judge looked to the plaintiff’s side, “Does the prosecution have any further questions?”
“No, Your Honor.”
“Ryan, do you have anything to say for yourself?”
Ryan lifted his gaze first to Estrella, then to the judge and spoke, “For years, I’ve been haunted by the memory of my mother’s brutal death. My desire for vengeance kept me going. I admit my guilt. I
confess to taking lives, so no matter the court’s judgment, I accept responsibility and will face the consequences.”
Turning towards Estrella, his voice softened, “Ms. Estrella, thank you. Thank you for treating me with respect. And thank you for your encouragement and your dedication. You’ve been the first person, apart from my mother, to show me kindness in this world. I will remember you, forever.”
As he uttered the word “forever,” tears welled up in his eyes. A forced smile broke through his sorrow, and tears streamed down his face. Perhaps his ‘forever’ would be short-lived. He may never experience the life Estrella spoke of, and never savor the delicacies she described.
Ryan’s heartfelt gratitude brought tears to Estrella’s eyes too.
The judge and jury concluded their discussion and delivered the verdict, “Under Article 232 of the Criminal Law, the defendant, Ryan, is found guilty of intentional homicide. He is hereby sentenced to death, with a two-year reprieve.”
After the sentence was pronounced, the judge looked at Ryan, “Don’t give up on yourself, Ryan.”
Estrella listened to the verdict, her tears falling freely. Although a death sentence had been issued, it was not to be carried out immediately. Normally, homicide did not allow for a reprieve, but Ryan had turned himself in and had shown genuine remorse from the start. His troubled upbringing and his psychological state, which had begun to normalize only after several conversations with her, were taken into consideration.
During the first trial, he had expressed that he hadn’t gone back with the intention of killing. He was also scared. It was the taunts of his father and uncle that had incited him, and he lost control only then, grabbing the knife from the kitchen-not premeditated, but an act of desperation.
Gathering her composure, Estrella watched as the officers approached Ryan to escort him out. Ryan turned to her, “Ms. Estrella, don’t be sad, thank you.” He was still processing it all, unsure of what the future held for him.
Estrella nodded firmly, “I’m not sad.”
As the courtroom began to empty, Logan and the others approached her.
“Estrella, you’ve put in a tremendous effort,” Logan said, patting her shoulder, proud to have such a dedicated and trustworthy lawyer on his team. The kind of commitment
and fearlessness Estrella displayed wasn’t common among lawyers.
Looking up at Logan, Estrella replied, “Logan, thank you all for your support and for helping me shape my approach during this time.”
As she finished, a figure approached from the back of the crowd. Estrella looked up, surprised to see him; she hadn’t expected him to attend the hearing today.
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