Comfort

The next day ADA Bartles wanted to show us pictures from the crash.  Deiter’s attorney objected, saying the jury knew what had happened and didn’t need to see them.  The ADA argued the photos would show the angle of impact and other details, giving us a clearer image of the crash scene.

The judge allowed us to see the photos.  The bailiff lowered a large monitor mounted on the wall beside the judge.  An image of two wrecked cars filled the screen. Several graphic and disturbing images followed.

Deiter hung his head and looked as if he was about to cry.  A strange thing happened. Deiter’s girlfriend’s mother, who was sitting directly behind Deiter, put a hand on his shoulder to comfort him.  The judge gave her an understanding but firm look, and she pulled her hand away, sitting back in her chair.  She started to cry.

I wasn’t surprised she didn’t seem to blame Deiter.  I was moved she could comfort him in depth of her grief. I doubted I wondered if there was somebody in my life who could use a comforting word. 

Today I will find someone who could use a comforting word.

Jury Duty © 2020 by Ken Montrose

Jury Duty is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: www.greenbriartraining.com https://www.pinterest.com/kenmontrose/mt-rose/