At my cousin’s wedding reception, we were seated having our meal when my family arrived late and started greeting everyone loudly. I was eight months pregnant and couldn’t stand up easily to greet them from my chair. My mother demanded, “Get up from that chair right now. Your sister needs to sit.” I refused. “She’s only 2 months pregnant. I’m 8 months.” I stayed seated. My father walked over and k/i/c/k/ed my chair hard from behind, making me f a. l l backwards. I landed on my pregnant belly and my water b r/ oke all over the floor. My mom… / Chapter 30 / 40

Chapter 30 - The Final Sentence

Because it was a direct violation of their probation, compounded by the federal wire fraud used to fund the malicious lawsuit, the justice system showed absolutely zero mercy.

They were not offered a plea deal. They were not offered house arrest.

The judge revoked their probation and triggered their maximum suspended sentences, adding consecutive years for the new financial crimes.

They were sentenced to ten years in a federal penitentiary.

There would be no early release. There would be no secret letters. The iron door had finally, permanently slammed shut on the monsters of my childhood.

"It is over,"

Daniel told me that night, pouring two glasses of celebratory champagne.

"They will spend the rest of their natural lives rotting in a cell."