Chapter 7: An Unexpected Visitor
A month later, during the quiet hours of the afternoon library session, the heavy door opened. Maya expected to see another student, but it was Brenda standing in the doorway. She wasn't sneering today. She looked hesitant, almost uncomfortable, holding a worn folder against her chest.
The other inmates in the room went still, watching nervously.
""Is... is this where you do the reading stuff?"" Brenda asked, looking at the floor.
Maya stood up right away, pulling out an empty chair at the head of the table. ""It is. Come on in, Brenda. We were just starting.""
Brenda sat down slowly, keeping her eyes fixed on the wooden table. She slid her folder forward. Inside was a stack of official court documents filled with legal jargon.
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""My public defender sent these,"" Brenda whispered, her usual booming voice reduced to a soft raspe. ""He says if I can't understand the filing by Friday, I forfeit my appeal. I... I can't read the big legal terms. I never learned past fifth grade.""
Maya sat down beside her, opening a dictionary. ""Then let's take it page by page. We have plenty of time.""
