Charlotte collapsed at the door, strangled as an empty Christmas stocking wailing for her piece of coal. She was accompanied by the unmistakable smell of whiskey, which infused the air. After she stood up, her skinny, fragile being stumbled through the room, shaking more with every step. The room was silent; all that could be heard were her feet thudding listlessly on the wooden floors, until she finally made her way to the desk, where she sat soundless next to her lawyer. Charlotte breathed in the cold, crisp air around her while her lifeless blanched face stared fatalistically at the judge, the person who would determine the next chapter of her life. A booming voice broke the silence of the room: “The Supreme Court in now in session. This …show more content…
One moment could result in 14 years in prison. 14 years- 728 weeks- 5096 days of her life gone as a result of one moment. A series of asinine choices resulting in one dreadful moment. After the recess of court Charlotte found herself constantly looking at the jury; their faces depicted utter disappointment and disgust. Charlotte realised they had no sympathy for her. She was tapping her fingers aggressively on the hard-wooden desk, she often did this when she was nervous. This was the moment. She breathed in deeply, trying to calm herself. “I hereby sentence Ms Charlotte Tate to 14 years prison, for vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving under the influence.” The words echoed in her head. Over and over. Her legs turned to jelly. She couldn’t find the strength within her to stand up. Her chin started to shake, there was a throbbing welt in her throat demanding to burst. She was almost hysterical. She could taste the salty tears as they rolled down her cheek like a waterfall. She was overwhelmed with devastation, and still not reconciled to the reality of her situation. Fourteen years of her life, about to