although I’d never tell her that.

The eyes were her best feature.
Thoughtful, far-away, almost as if
they didn’t belong there.

She was upset—
considering consequences.

I’d made my mea culpas.
Explained the extenuating circumstances.
Was it enough to mitigate her displeasure?
Then the hammer came down.

“I never want to see you here again. Thirty days.”

“Yes, your Honor.”

“Next case.”

—Don