The court session began, with the judge and the jury members taking their seats in order. The audience seats below the court were already fully occupied.
On the defendant stand, Coral Ruby finally saw Gem Atkinson. She disregarded everything, shouting out loud, "Gem, Gem, save me, save our son."
Gem helped Forsythia Brown to sit on one side. Then, worried that the indoor air conditioning was too low, he took off his suit jacket and draped it over Forsythia's knees.
On the witness stand, Norma Ruby looked at the gentle and considerate man, her eyes reddening. In them was resentment, hatred, as well as regret. The only thing missing was unwillingness.
On the defendant stand, seeing that Gem ignored her, Coral grew desperate, shouting loudly: "Forsythia, Forsythia, I was wrong. I beg you, speak for me, speak for our son. I am willing to hand our son over to you. He is your son, he is your son!"
