Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Breaking Chains
The courtroom was cold and sterile, a far cry from the chaotic, gritty world of the slums. Cole stood before the judge, dressed in the plain clothes of a prisoner, his hands cuffed in front of him. Helen stood beside him, her expression calm but focused.
The deal had been made, the terms set. Cole would plead guilty to manslaughter, and in exchange, he would serve time in juvenile detention until he turned eighteen. It wasn't the future he had envisioned, but it was better than the alternative.
The judge, an older man with a stern face and tired eyes, glanced down at Cole over the top of his glasses. "Do you understand the terms of the plea deal, Mr. Matthews?"
Cole nodded, his voice steady. "Yes, sir."
"And you're prepared to plead guilty to the charge of manslaughter?"
Another nod. "Yes, sir."
The judge's eyes lingered on Cole for a moment longer, as if weighing the young man standing before him. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. The court accepts the plea. You are hereby sentenced to five years in juvenile detention, with eligibility for early release based on good behavior."
The gavel came down with a sharp crack, and just like that, it was over.
Cole was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs, his heart heavy but his mind clearer than it had been in weeks. He had made his decision. He would serve his time, but this wasn't the end. Not by a long shot.
As he was escorted out, he caught sight of Helen standing by the door, watching him with a look of quiet pride. And next to her, standing just out of view, was Lina. She met his gaze and gave him a small nod, a silent promise that they would make it through this.
Cole didn't smile, but something inside him shifted. The chains were heavy now, but one day, they would break. And when they did, he would be ready to reclaim his life.
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