He tightened his hold on her. In that moment, he realized he wasn’t alone in his pain. Mattie was there, sharing it with him, willing to help him carry the burden.
Slowly, Mattie pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“For what?”
“That you have been forced to carry around these burdens alone, especially since you did nothing wrong.”
Winston dropped his arms and took a step back, his voice rising in frustration. “Nothing wrong? Did you not hear anything that I said?”
“I heard every word.”
“Then you would know it was entirely my fault,” Winston said. The familiar feeling of anger surged within him. Why had he let his guard down around Mattie? She clearly hadn’t been listening to him.
Mattie’s eyes held unwavering compassion. “The justice system failed Clara and her son. Not you.”
“But I was the barrister that argued the case,” Winston countered.
“Did you sentence her to die?” Mattie asked pointedly.
“No, but…”
Mattie spoke over him. “Did you know that the diamond necklace hadn’t truly been stolen?” she pressed.
“No, but…”
She took a step closer to him, her gaze steady and warm. “The only thing you are guilty of is doing your job.”
Winston ran a hand through his hair. “It is not that simple,” he stated.
“You are right,” Mattie said. “It is very complicated and messy, but my opinion of you has not changed. You are an honorable man who tried to right a wrong.”
“A wrong that I committed!” he shouted.
Mattie’s expression remained resolute. “I do not see it that way. You are the only one in your story that showed an ounce of compassion for a woman and her son.”
Winston scoffed. “I know you mean well, but you are wrong.”
“I think it isyouwho wants to believe that.”
He looked at her incredulously. “And why is that?”
Mattie held his gaze, her voice gentle. “You do not want Clara’s death to be in vain.”
“But it was in vain!” he exclaimed, tossing up his hands in despair. “She never should have died, and neither should have Johnny.”
Mattie reached for his hand, her touch warm and steady. “I agree. They should not have died, but you are not the villain in this story. You must believe me, because in my heart, I know the type of man you are. And I wish I could take the pain away from you.”
Winston looked at her, truly looked at her, his eyes searching hers for the truth in her words. “You truly believe that?”
“I do,” Mattie said firmly. “And I believe that you can find a way to forgive yourself.”
Winston tightened his hold on her hand. “You are too kind to me, Mattie.”
“It is not kindness,” she replied. “It is the truth. You have to forgive yourself. Only then can you find the joyyou have lost.”
Winston sighed deeply, as if a heavy burden had been lifted, albeit slightly. “I don’t know if I can,” he admitted.
Mattie gave him a reassuring smile. “You don’t have to do it alone. I am here with you.”
