Chapter 18 - THE COURTROOM VERDICT
A year later,
the final appeals,
filed by Vanessa,
were officially denied,
by supreme court.
She was ordered,
to serve full,
fifteen years clear,
without any chance,
of early release.
Her mother Eleanor,
tried to visit,
her one time,
but Vanessa refused,
to see face.
She blamed everyone,
but herself clear,
remaining bitter and,
completely alone inside,
her dark cell.
Charles and Helen,
were living quietly,
working poor jobs,
forgotten by society,
paying their debts.
They had learned,
the hard way,
that silence costs,
more than words,
destroying their life.
Caleb and Olivia,
lived in mansion,
with their boy,
who was walking,
around the yard.
Little Arthur loved,
the yellow blanket,
carrying it everywhere,
dragging on grass,
smiling so bright.
The Vance corporation,
flourished under Caleb,
becoming top green,
company in country,
helping the planet.
They gave half,
their profits away,
to social causes,
earning the respect,
of the world.
Olivia was named,
woman of year,
by city council,
for her work,
at the center.
She stood on,
the big stage,
wearing simple dress,
speaking to crowd,
with absolute grace.
"True wealth is,"
she said clearly,
"not in bank,"
"but in heart,"
"and how we,"
"treat each other."
"Never stay silent,"
she urged them,
"when you see,"
"someone hurt by,"
"cruel powerful bullies."
The crowd stood,
cheering her name,
clapping their hands,
for long time,
honoring her truth.
Caleb watched her,
from front row,
holding their son,
wiping a tear,
proud of wife.
She had won,
the ultimate battle,
not with weapons,
May you like
but with dignity,
and pure love.
