Her hands trembled as she gazed at a faded photo of her son, Andrei. Just 22, he had his whole future ahead of him—bright, hopeful, full of plans. But tonight, everything had fallen apart.
Andrei had been sentenced to ten years in prison. The charge: theft—a crime he hadn’t committed. The case was built on lies and manipulated evidence.
False testimonies and a justice system that refused to listen had sealed his fate. Elena had pleaded through tears, begged the court for mercy, but her cries went unheard.
Fear gripped her. How will he endure prison? How can I protect him now? Then a single, bold thought rose in her heart: I will take his place.
The next morning, Elena walked into the police station.
The officers looked up, puzzled. “Can we help you, ma’am?”