Catch Him If You Can

03. Distant Memory

The dim lit court room was especially crowded that day with ten rows of benches, five on each side, fully occupied.

On the left, the row is filled by the accused and detainees. All of them are hand-cuffed, and awaiting their turn in that day's trial. I saw my father among them. Like the rest of the gang, he was wearing a plain orange shirt. His head is hanging low, and he looks tired, like he wasn't getting enough sleep.

On the right, random people sat – private complainants, some relatives of the accused, or just curious onlooker hoping to witness the trial. I sat among them. Like my father, my head is hanging low, and I look tired, because I wasn't getting enough sleep. How could I when today is the day that my father will be judged after a full-blown trial.

"Ayun yung anak nung rapist killer,"

I fidgeted on my seat when I heard someone mumbling. Obviously, they weren't being discreet because they said it loud enough for half of the people in the room to hear. Several heads turned to look at me, their eyes full of disgust, hate, and pity. I felt my face heating up. I looked down in embarrassment.

Do they really have to that? Why won't they just mind their own fucking business? I hate them.

"Ang bata pa pala. Grabe yung tatay no, may anak pa naman pala na babae. Tsk tsk. Pero bakit siya lang yata mag-isa?"

As if making me feel bad wasn't enough, one lady answered insensitively: "Diba nga yung nanay nagpakamatay... 'Ku, kawawa talaga!" and when one of them turned to look at me again, I shot her a fiery gaze. Fucking blabbers.

"Sssh mare, naririnig ka,"

"Ay ano naman? Totoo naman."

God, I hate them. I hate them!

Wala naman silang alam. If they don't have anything good to say, they should just shut their mouth. Suddenly, the court room burst open and the Judge walked towards his throne.

"All rise." Announced the court officer as he proceeded to lead the prayer.

"Call the case"

The Court Officer nodded.

"Criminal Case No. 155123, People versus Daniel Gomez for Rape with Murder, for PROMULGATION OF JUDGMENT."

I gulped and felt cold sweat beading up on my forehead. Everyone believes that my father did it, but not me. I know my father is innocent. There's not even a direct evidence that would point his guilt, but everyone believes he is the culprit... just because the CCTV footage showed him to be in the same place where the victim was last seen, and because of the half-witted testimonies claiming to have seen him with the victim.

"Appearance?" The Judge called while adjusting his glasses.

From the right corner, the female prosecutor stood and bowed. "For the government. We are ready, your honor," Then I saw her smile to the defense counsel. A smile which carries meaning.

"For the defense, your honor. We are likewise ready."

I met the eyes of my father's defense counsel, but he quickly averted his gaze. What the hell was that?

I clasped my hands and crossed my fingers.

Please let this judgment be not guilty. My father is innocent, dear judge.

"Is the accused present?" The judge called again.

"He is present, your honor,"

Then they motioned my father to appear before the Judge, just outside the "bar" line. He walked slowly and the police officer nudged at him to signal him to walk faster. He did, then stopped midway. He looked around and when his eyes found mine, he gave me a smile of reassurance. I smiled back as I felt tears swelling up. Then the police officer nudged at him again.

As soon as he reached the bar line, I heard the murmurs again.

Non-sense and insensitive murmurings.

"May we pray, Your Honor, that only the decretal portion of the decision will be read." The defense asked.

"Okay, only read the wherefore clause."

I saw my father held on tightly to the bar line before I closed my eyes. I thought about how everything about this trial is so unfair.

"Wherefore, premises considered, this court finds the accused Daniel Gomez..."

My heart was racing so fast that I couldn't breathe.

Oh please, Lord, please Lord. My father is innocent. I know he is. I prayed and begged repeatedly...

"GUILTY BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT."

Then I felt my world stop.

I guess...

some prayers are not heard huh.