Chapter 14: The Cell and the Conscience
That evening, Derek visited the federal correctional facility outside the city.
He sat across from Marcus in the visitors' room, separated by a pane of thick, reinforced glass. Marcus looked hollow, his expensive suit replaced by a drab orange jumpsuit, the arrogance completely drained from his posture.
For several minutes, neither spoke.
“Why did you come?” Marcus finally asked, his voice barely a whisper through the intercom. “To gloat?”
“No,” Derek replied calmly. “I came to tell you that Dad set up an educational fund for your daughter. She will never want for anything.”
Marcus choked on a sob, lowering his head as tears spilled onto the metal counter. “After what I did to him... after what I did to you...”
“Our mother used to say that hatred is a poison you drink hoping the other person dies,” Derek said softly. “Dad forgives you, Marcus. Not for your sake, but for his own peace.”
Marcus looked up, red-eyed. “Can you ever forgive me?”
Derek looked deeply at his brother—the boy he had once played catch with in the backyard. “One day. But redemption is a road you have to walk alone, Marcus. Start by telling the truth to the judge.”
May you like
Derek stood up, placed his hand on the glass for a brief moment, and walked out into the open air.
---
