"If you don't want to miss the future or the present, don't ever dwell in the past. I don't mean that you need to forget it completely because there are lessons from our past decisions and actions. What I want you to understand is that our past can be a place of reference but not a place for habitation."The newly hired female matron said to the little boy who hates himself because of his past.
"It's not easy. I always have nightmares at night. My past is like my shadow, it chases me anywhere." The little boy frowned while looking at the matron.
"It will haunt you if you allow it to haunt you little boy." The matron replied with a smile on her face then she continued. "Did you know that some of the most successful people have the worst past? You can still create the best future for yourself."
The little boy smiled at her and cheerfully exited the room. It's his first smile ever since he came to the orphanage. His name is Leo. His parents died in a car accident and he was the only survivor. He blames himself for the death of his parents since he was the reason why they went out that night. That accident plays over and over again inside his head, whether he's asleep or not.
Arya removed her hand on the directress' shoulder. She had teary eyes at the moment when she discovered a piece of Leo's past.
"Are you Leo's wife? Where is he now? Is he successful?" The directress asked. You can clearly see the excitement in her eyes.
"Leo is a good child. He helped us a lot here even though he's only eight years old at that time. His dream is to become a policeman. It's been a long time since he visited us here, he's in college at that time. He never changed. He's still a giver. He already donated a huge amount of money here for the orphans. That little boy grew up being wise and kind. Where is he now?" The directress continues while wiping her tears.
"Leo is one of my seniors. I am a police officer at SanJuanPolis." Arya utters.
"I'm so happy to hear that his dream came true. His step brother didn't disappoint me when he said he's going to take care of him."
"Wait. He has a step brother? Do you know his name?" Arya queried while writing down notes.
"I can't remember his name but he has a long stitch on his right leg. Maybe he's in his fifties or sixties this time." The directress answered.
Arya asked many questions about Leo but all she can find is pure kindness and his tragic childhood memories. The directress always praises him on his good deeds and character.
The little girl suddenly enters the directress' room and hugs Arya. She gave her a bracelet made of shells. Arya smiled at the girl and put her on her lap.
"Eunice, why didn't you knock at the door first before you enter?" The directress asked while raising her eyebrows.
"It's okay, Directress Mary. I'm her new friend. Can you please look after her just like how you take care of Leo? This little girl is precious just like anyone here." Arya requested.
The directress just nodded at her. Arya embraced Eunice before her departure. She's now ready to confront Leo.
~
Ythan's trial is about to begin. He didn't feel anxious at the moment because he knows that the truth will still prevail. Divonne is the only one sitting on his side and he thanked the girl for being there despite their misunderstanding; despite being rejected by him.
On the other side, Mrs. Manalo is sitting comfortably with Sergeant Rufie and Leo. Her attorney is smiling widely and is obviously mocking the defendant at the moment.
All the people inside the court rose when the bailiff instructed. When the judge presided, everyone seated except the juries. The bailiff swear in the jury as the judge directed her.
"Members of the jury, your duty today will be to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty based only on facts and evidence provided in this case. The prosecution must prove that a crime was committed and that the defendant is the person who committed the crime. However, if you are not satisfied with the defendant’s guilt to that extent, then reasonable doubt exists and the defendant must be found not guilty." The judge said.
Since the prosecutors and the defense attorney are now ready, the trial officially started. The prosecutor stood up and started his statement.
"Your Honor, members of the jury, my name is Walter and my co-council and I are representing The Manalos in this case. We intend to prove that on the day of December 21st, at around 11pm, in the City of San Juan, Philippines, within the jurisdiction of this court, the defendant Mr. Ythan Pasatiempo was sighted by a witness having an argument with the victim, Mr. Harold Manalo. After the said argument, the victim was held captive inside his car. The defendant pointed his gun to the victim while he was pouring gasoline all over the car. After several minutes, Mr. Ythan Pasatiempo lit up the car which resulted in an explosion and the death of Mr. Harold Manalo. Please find Mr. Ythan Pasatiempo guilty of murdering Harold Manalo. Thank you." The prosecutor speaks at the podium.
Mrs. Manalo shed some tears while glaring at the defendant. Divonne smirked at her while murmuring something.
"Your Honor, members of the jury, my name is Darrel and I am representing the defendant in this case. We intend to prove that on the day of December 21st, at around 11pm, in the City of San Juan, Philippines, within the jurisdiction of this court, the defendant Mr. Ythan Pasatiempo was just standing at the front of his car while the complainant's son committed suicide. My client tried his best to restrain and calm Mr. Harold Manalo but he failed. Mr. Harold Manalo poured gasoline in his car and lit matches which resulted in an explosion. Please find Ythan Pasatiempo not guilty of murder. Thank you." The defense attorney said while standing at the podium.
The judge allowed the prosecution to call it's first and only witness. Ythan was waiting for this moment. He wants to see the person behind the fake statement. He's blood is boiling at the very moment. If only it is allowed to knock someone down inside the court he will not hesitate even for a second to attack the liar.
When the door opened, a familiar face came in. Just a minute ago, Ythan was furious but now, he can't feel anything but disappointment.