~ Evie ~
February 14th. Valentine’s Day. Of all the days to sit in this courtroom again, it has to be this one. I’m here, right in the front row. Jack’s next to me. He’s still weak - doctor said he shouldn’t even be out of bed yet - but he wouldn’t stay home. His face is pale. “You okay?” I whisper. He nods, gives me that small smile that always makes my chest tight. “Wouldn’t miss this for anything,” he says back.
Marcus sits at the table in front, orange jumpsuit hanging loose on him. His shoulders are slumped, head down. His mom and dad are behind him, eyes red, not looking at anyone. I feel nothing for them now. Not sorry. Not angry. Just done.
The judge walks in. Everyone stands. She sits, looks around the room once, then straight at Marcus. No smile. “We are here for sentencing in
