Does the defendant have any final words? — he added after a moment.

The man in the orange uniform raised his eyes. His voice trembled:

— Your Honor… may I make one request? I’d like to see my son. He was born after I was already imprisoned. I’ve never held him in my arms.

The judge paused, looked at the guards, and nodded quietly. The door opened. A young woman with a tired face entered the courtroom. In her arms, she held a small baby.