The mother looked for a long time at her son’s former partner — at his bowed head, his hands locked in cuffs… Then, without a word, she knelt beside him. Quietly, she embraced him and held him close.

The prisoner could hardly believe it was real. He lifted his head, looked at her, and broke into uncontrollable sobs.

— I forgive you, — she whispered. — And so does my son. I know it was an accident. He loved you like a brother, and he wouldn’t want you to suffer for the rest of your life.