Chapter 24 - Sentencing
Victor appeared at sentencing six months later.
His attorney requested leniency because he had become a father.
The prosecutor replied that the unborn child had been present during the assault.
Fatherhood did not reduce the seriousness.
It increased it.
Helena submitted a letter describing Victor as a loving son.
Raúl refused.
Nora submitted a statement accepting her role and asking the court to prioritize Claire’s safety.
Claire attended without Emma.
She read her victim-impact statement.
“You trained me to believe every peaceful day created a debt. If you apologized, I owed you silence. If you bought something, I owed you gratitude. If you avoided hurting me for a week, I owed you another chance.”
Victor watched without expression.
Claire continued.
“The morning I sent the message, I was not trying to destroy you. I was trying to preserve myself and my child.”
The judge sentenced Victor to twenty-three years in prison, followed by supervised release and restitution.
He also prohibited contact with Claire and Emma.
Parental rights would be addressed separately.
Before deputies led him away, Victor asked to speak.
He said Claire had exaggerated private conflicts.
He said Alex manipulated her.
He said the family had been under financial stress.
The judge interrupted.
“Stress did not install an exterior lock. Stress did not forge signatures. Stress did not raise a wooden object over a pregnant woman.”
Victor finally looked at Claire.
“You sent one message and ended everything.”
Claire answered quietly.
“No. I sent one message after you had already ended it.”
He stared at her.
For years, he believed consequences were actions other people did to him.
He never understood they began with his own choices.
The deputies led him away.
Alex did not watch Victor leave.
He looked at Claire.
“What now?”
She exhaled.
“Breakfast.”
He smiled.
It was almost noon.
May you like
Claire did not care.
Breakfast would happen when she chose.
