When the judge gave him the last word, the man spoke in a trembling voice:

— I’m not looking for excuses. I didn’t mean for this to happen. It was an accident. I just ask one thing — let me say goodbye to him. To ask his forgiveness… and his family’s too.

The courtroom was silent. The judge lowered his eyes, then nodded.

— All right. But you’ll go under escort.

On the day of the funeral, even the sky seemed to mourn. Cold rain poured endlessly, and the wind chased black clouds over the cemetery.