"Justice"

Walking down the row of accusing faces was the worst feeling in the world. They knew I did it and they all hated me for it. But they don't know anything, how could they know the story as to why? But I have to tell the story to someone, that's why I'm telling it to you.1

Row upon row of faces looked down at me with hate. All thinking the same thing.2

It was him. Of course it was.3

Witnesses everywhere.4

Savage animal. Why did he do this?5

An innocent child is struggling for life because of this monster.6

There were two of them at my shoulders; leading me along grimly. Their faces were tensed - they did this often - and it didn't take a genius to figure out that their thoughts mirrored what the others' thought. The two of them were uniformed and smelt like the many prisoners they had seen to already. 7

Now it was my turn.8

The two lead me to the steps. I climb slightly feverishly. My feet hurt - but not as much as my back - it was barely 3 days since the assault had happened and still no medical treatment had found its way to me. I hadn't heard one kind word since it happened... not one.9

Now I have reached the very top of the stand. One of the men at my side went to stand aside, watching the proceedings comfortably. But one remained next to me. He kept a firm hold on me. I try not to wince at his brutalness.10

There was a man who entered now in front of me. He was clearly in command of the room. Firmly, he began to state what had happened. But no... he had gotten the entire story wrong. That's not true. This wasn't supposed to happen. It never should have happened.11

I could remember every detail of it...12

He had come at me. He was younger, but much taller than I was. He came straight at me! Please, don't send me away. He was going straight for my eyes and laughing as I tried to get away from him. I warned him - I gave him a clear warning for him to back away - but he wrouldn't stop. He wouldn't stop! And in defence, I lashed out.13

It was only once; it wasn't meant to be that hard. I just wanted him to leave me alone. I had no choice! He wouldn't stop...14

Please, I'm begging you - don't do this - I'm innocent!15

I try to stop the man, but he frowned down at me. Again I saw the hatred he had. For that was all he saw me as; a killer. But I had killed no-one. 16

Again, I try to reason with him. The boy was coming straight at me. But he yells above me. In horror, I hear his verdict. No... Please... stop! Don't let them do this to me!17

But it is too late - they have me - they pull at me, dragging me off my feet and into the black abyss of the waiting door... Past the other man... Past the other faces... The same hatred bears down upon me for the second time...18

For that is all they see in me. I am not a dog - I was never a pet - I am a murderer.