Chapter 9: The Verdict
The jury deliberated for only four hours. Eleanor was found guilty of aggravated assault and coercion. However, heavily influenced by Sarah’s statement, the judge handed down a unique sentence: eight years in a minimum-security facility with mandatory, intensive psychiatric treatment and addiction counseling. As the sentence was read, Eleanor looked back at Sarah. Tears, genuine and unrestrained, finally fell down the older woman's face. She mouthed two words across the silent courtroom: I'm sorry. Sarah simply nodded, acknowledging the start of a long, difficult road to atonement.
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