My father shouted, “Take this liar away! She’s the one who should be punished!”
I stood up, “Your Honor, I request to extract Suzy Jones’s memories.”
The courtroom was in chaos right now. The jury was whispering fervently amongst themselves, and the comments were rolling so thickly across the screen that it was impossible to make out the individual words.
The judge was silent in thought for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Suzy kept struggling, unwilling to subject herself to the trial, but her resistance was futile. She was forced to wear the memory extraction device.
Images began appearing on the screen.
A lawyer placed a contract before her. “Both of your parents purchased a life insurance policy and named you as the benefactor. The payout amounts to several million dollars. However, you’re still a minor, so the money will be managed by your new guardians.
“That said, they will only have custodial rights and no authority to spend the money. You’re the only one who can use the money when you come of age. When you reach adulthood, you will have full access to it yourself.”
The point of view swung around. The door opened, revealing my parents behind. They both looked shocked. Clearly, they had been eavesdropping for some time.
The scene flickered. Suzy stood at the door, gripping the straps of her bag. She chewed on her lip indecisively.
My father called out to her warmly. Seeing her hesitation, he gave my mother a look.
My mother understood him immediately. She pulled Suzy into the house, warm and affectionate.
Soon, Suzy relaxed. She leaned into my mother’s embrace.
My mother stiffened for a moment before embracing her.
I felt the bitter urge to laugh as I watched all this.
For years, I had agonized over what had caused my parents to change so dramatically. I’d imagined countless possibilities, but I had never considered something as simple as
money.
How ironic.
“I’m sorry, Wendy,” my father said, his face pale. “Please forgive us.”
“I’m sorry, Wendy. Please don’t blame me. I wasn’t thinking straight!” my mother cried.
