The judge wasn’t finished. “In addition, you will attend a weekly accountability program. You will hear firsthand from people whose lives have been hurt by theft. After each session, you will write a reflection. Those will be reviewed by this court.”
Ethan tried to protest, but Judge Harmon cut him off sharply. “One more word, and I’ll double your hours. Do you understand?”
Facing Consequences
The following week, Ethan arrived at Patel’s Market. Hoodie pulled tight, hands stuffed in his pockets, his defiance hung around him like a shield. Mr. Patel didn’t scold him, though. He simply handed him a broom.
“You made a mess here once,” he said calmly. “Now you’ll help keep it clean.”
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