Chapter 8 - VICTORIA'S FINAL CHANCEVictoria's trial ended with a lengthy prison sentence.
But before sentencing, the judge allowed her to speak.
Victoria stood.
She looked at Sarah.
“I have no excuse.”
Sarah said nothing.
“I stole your son.”
Victoria's voice trembled.
“I lied to my husband.”
“I destroyed evidence.”
“I corrupted people.”
“I used money to make myself feel powerful.”
She took a breath.
“And I destroyed four years that I can never return.”
The courtroom was silent.
Victoria looked at Leo.
He was sitting beside Sarah.
“I don't expect forgiveness.”
Leo looked at her.
Victoria continued.
“But I hope someday you understand that none of this was your fault.”
Leo looked at Sarah.
Sarah nodded.
Leo turned back.
“I know.”
Victoria began crying.
Then she sat down.
The judge delivered the sentence.
Victoria was taken away.
Sarah watched.
She felt no joy.
Only relief.
Later, Leo asked,
“Is she going to be okay?”
Sarah nodded.
“She'll have to learn from what she did.”
“Can people change?”
Sarah smiled.
“Yes.”
“Can she?”
“I don't know.”
Leo thought about it.
“I hope she does.”
Sarah hugged him.
“So do I.”
That night, Sarah stood on the porch.
Arthur joined her.
“You okay?”
She nodded.
“I think so.”
Arthur looked at her.
“You've forgiven her?”
Sarah shook her head.
“Not completely.”
“That is okay.”
“I don't think forgiveness means forgetting.”
Arthur smiled.
“No.”
“It means I don't have to let her control my life anymore.”
Arthur took her hand.
“You're free.”
Sarah looked toward the house.
Leo was laughing inside.
She smiled.
May you like
“Yes.”
“I am.”
