The green marble floors swirl in icy wave patterns

the dark wood ceiling was cold

Unfamiliar, and intimidating.

For a modern building, the interior seems 

like it was built ages ago. 



My heart pounds like a drum

I hear every beat, the incessant tempo accelerating my breath. 

I spot the shoulder of his navy suit jacket

and focus on my friends and family;

my mind drifts back




Four years ago

He played the drums; its beat follows me wherever I go. 

He follows me down the hallway

His eerie grin when we are face to face

I will never forget.




My fingers dig into my palm and I am back again.

The seal of the righted scales seems to whisper to me

reassuring, asking for the truth.

It’s all I look at when I share my story. 

The glinting sight of hope when the judge began speaking 

was enough for my body to relax. 




After, he melts through the floor like a shadow, 

the darkness following behind him.

I will never have to see him again. 




There is nothing better than pancakes.

My nose twitches at hints of breakfast:

bitter coffee,

soothing sugary syrup,

a layer of bacon grease smooths the cracks. 

A chocolate chip melts on my tongue

Bittersweet

my soul feels at peace. 




The food fills my stomach and soul

Relief fills my bones like the 

butter melting on the pancakes. 

The relief of a four year struggle coming to an end

the Scales of Justice are righted once more.