CHARLOTTE
Before leaving the courtroom, I stole a final glance at Rogerio. He looked perfect in the three-piece suit he had on, and I yearned to tell him that, but I knew better. He seemed excited about the outcome of the proceedings and did a fine job of avoiding my stare.
As he spoke with his lawyers in the most enigmatic fashion, I smiled wistfully and walked to the parking lot. My lawyer offered to follow me, but I declined. I thanked him for his role in the hearing and made my way towards the car with slow, steady steps. Thankfully, the lot was empty, so I got into the car and sat in silence for a few minutes.
Everything I had dreamed of having for almost two years had gone up in flames in a few hours. I had no more zeal to fight for anything left inside me. I could wish to turn ba
