Chapter 5. Sentence (1)

Translator: Lili

No matter how fierce or sensitive a dog or cat may be, you might have heard that they become utterly frightened or unexpectedly calm when they visit the vet.

Breathing in the cold air of the courtroom, Shushu Mailey could understand how those animals must feel. Even though she knew she was innocent, her body shrank as if she were a guilty party.

The courtroom was silent, filled with an almost suffocating gravity. Of course, no one was smiling. Shushu, sitting at the center of this heavy atmosphere, clenched and unclenched her fists nervously. Her heart felt like it would explode. She couldn’t even breathe until the judge began to speak, lifting the tension just a bit as he rolled up his sleeves.

“… Therefore, this court sentences Shushu Mailey to five years in prison.”

The long verdict finally concluded with those words.

‘Five years.’

Even though she had anticipated this outcome, hearing it said out loud was devastating. Shushu closed her eyes and hunched over, overwhelmed with despair.

‘How did it come to this?’

For someone who had lived a life far removed from illegality, her vision went dark with disbelief. Following the hand of her lawyer as he helped her up, Shushu let out a trembling sigh.

Across the room, she noticed Edwin looking at her with a pained expression. Only after seeing him did Shushu muster a forced smile and mouth, “It’s okay,” in an attempt to reassure him.

He had done everything he could. Edwin had worked to ensure that the case was not leaked to the media, an accomplishment entirely his own. More importantly, since the charge was for murder, the fact that she only got a five-year sentence was thanks to his efforts. However, Shushu felt as though hanging herself might be preferable to enduring the current situation. She had tried so hard not to harm anyone, yet an unspeakable nightmare had unfolded before her eyes.

The scene of the incident: the third-floor bathroom of the alumni gathering at Levri Academy. The victim: Elma Hobb, a fellow alumna of the academy. The accused: Shushu Mailey. Sentence: five years.

The Mailey family murder case ended this way.

***

Although she was convicted, Shushu wasn’t declared a murderer but was instead sentenced for involuntary manslaughter. This gave her the privilege of returning home briefly to pack her things before heading to prison.

Of course, what she could bring was strictly limited, and everything would be rigorously inspected at the entrance. Still, this was an extraordinary privilege.

‘Well, let’s focus on the bright side.’

She whispered to herself, forcing a smile at her bedroom mirror, which she wouldn’t see again for several years.

‘It’ll be fine…’

But deep down, she screamed in protest: No, this is so unfair!

Self-reassurance was easier said than done. The moment she looked at the mirror, all she could think about was leaving this familiar room and mirror for years to come. Stuffing her underwear and socks into the issued green bag, Shushu sniffled as her nose stung with suppressed tears.

She didn’t want to cry, but the unfairness of it all was unbearable. Not that there’s any convict in the world who feels they deserve their punishment, but Shushu felt particularly wronged. If she had even held a grudge against the deceased Elma Hobb, perhaps she could have rationalized it a little. However, Shushu and Elma hadn’t even been particularly close.

That’s why, when Elma was found murdered at the alumni gathering, Shushu felt shock and grief at the death of someone she knew, but never imagined she would be accused of the crime. Yet, as if orchestrated by the devil himself, all the evidence pointed squarely at her. The evidence was so damning that Shushu even wondered for a fleeting moment if she had somehow killed Elma without realizing it and lost her memory.

But because there was no clear motive for murder, Shushu clung to hope that she could be acquitted. That was until Edwin delivered news that crushed her spirit.

“A new piece of evidence has surfaced.”

Edwin looked at her with sorrowful eyes, sighed and continued,

“Shushu, a promissory note was found in Elma’s drawer safe this morning. It says you borrowed money from her.”

“What?!”

Shushu was so shocked that she jumped out of her chair. She couldn’t control her reaction at all.

‘It’s completely absurd. I never borrowed money from Elma.’

She denied it vehemently, but Edwin, gazing at her with mournful eyes, continued,

“The note has your seal and signature. The handwriting matches yours too. … Honestly, Shushu, maybe it’s time to consider dropping the appeal.”

“What… What are you saying, Edwin?!”

Shushu’s face went pale as she stared at him, his words tantamount to admitting her guilt. However, Edwin wasn’t joking.

“There’s too much evidence, Shushu. If we proceed, you could lose and face a harsher sentence.”

***