Chapter 136

• A resounding knock echoed through the courtroom, shattering the tense atmosphere. In a swift motion, he dropped the knife, a crucial tool that had been a part of this harrowing ordeal, and made his way back through the kitchen door, disappearing from sight. My heart raced as I rushed towards her, my hands shaking as I grabbed her shoulders and shook her with urgency. She lay there, lifeless, completely motionless. The chill emanating from her body was alarming, yet at that tender age, I was far too innocent to grasp the grave implications of such coldness. Just then, a sense of dread washed over me as I thought I heard footfalls approaching again, prompting me to retreat to my room in a panic. "I guess, I guess that was you, Aadita," Leonard said, his gaze fixed on me from the defense table, burdened with memories.
• Chaos erupted in the courtroom, an uncontrollable frenzy. The air was thick with accusations, some shouting that he was lying. My father's most fervent supporters were on their feet, their anger palpable, while others wept openly. I could only assume their tears were for the little boy who had been a witness to the horrific act where his father had savagely taken his mother's life and then allowed his sister to bear the brunt of the blame. Amidst this turmoil, Bea remained seated, nonchalant, casually rolling a pen between her fingers as if utterly unfazed by the storm brewing around her.
• The voice of my attorney struggled to penetrate the clamor of emotion filling the courtroom as he bellowed, "Why didn't you tell anyone what you saw?" The answer slipped from Leonard's lips, heavy with the weight of desperation, "I tried. They told him, and he threatened me, said if I ever spoke out, he'd kill Aadita too."