On Friday morning, Beth was feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation as she awaited her turn in front of the judge. Inmates were lined up, handcuffed, and escorted to the courtroom.
As they waited in tense silence, Beth took a moment to look around at the faces around her―men and women of different races, each with their own stories etched into their expressions. It struck her that something was connecting them all.
She recalled the words of one of the other inmates (the mean one), who had yelled at her earlier: when trouble lands us in handcuffs, no one knows who's innocent or guilty. Some folks wore their struggles on their sleeves, their weariness visible in the lines on their faces or the despair in their eyes.
Yet, there were those familiar faces that seemed to have an uncanny ability to spot the newcomers in the system. You could see their character and demeanor in how they interacted with one another, a silent code of understanding amongst them.
Beth had thought of herself as different, perhaps even superior to the other women there―she began to see that her attitude didn't set her apart at all. She was exactly like them, and for the first time, that awareness didn't feel like a burden but a strange kind of comfort.
In this place, everyone was bound by their shared experiences that violated the laws in some way. Her demeanor had woven her tightly into the very fabric of the institution of incarceration. But as she observed their interactions, she couldn't help but realize that her behavior mirrored some of the other inmates, tying her to the very community she thought she was far above.
When Beth heard her name called, she took a deep breath and walked up to the podium, facing the judge. Her attorney stood up for her, admitting guilt and asking for probation, along with restitution, and that she pay for any damages she caused at the convenience store. He also asked that her record be expunged once the fines and fees were paid in full. The judge agreed but added a twist―Beth must do community service.
It meant that she'd be spending time with underprivileged families and homeless people, the very people she despised, and she had to be employed. The judge made it clear that if Beth got into any more trouble, she would spend two full years behind bars with no early release.
Beth answered in agreement, and she signed her release papers with the stipulations of her probation. She was taken back to her cell to gather her things and took to another area to change into her clothing. Her mom was waiting at the entrance, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety but grateful that Beth didn't have to serve any more time locked up in jail.