The silence that blanketed the driveway was heavier than the humid July heat.

My testimony lasted three hours.

I detailed every single afternoon over those five long months. I recalled the dates, the times, the taste of the tea, the blurred vision I had complained about, and the exact words Leo had used to convince me, my friends, and my family that I was losing my mind.

When DA Chen asked me about the day of the birthday party, I didn't look at my notepad. I didn't look at the judge. I looked straight at Leo.

"I lay face-down on the driveway," I told the court, my voice cold and steady as marble. "I told him I couldn't feel my legs. He looked down at me, laughed, and walked back to the grill to check his burgers. He told fourteen people I was faking it so he could let me die in front of them while making them believe it was my own fault."

Leo’s public defender didn't even attempt a cross-examination. He sat at the defense table, looking down at his notes, knowing there was nothing in heaven or earth that could undo the mountain of physical, digital, and testimonial evidence stacked against his client.

Judge Garcia slammed her gavel down with a sharp, echoing CRACK.

"Based on the overwhelming physical evidence, the testimony of the victim, and the federal indictments currently pending," Judge Garcia declared, her eyes burning with disgust as she looked at Leo, "this court finds probable cause on all counts. The defendant will remain remanded without bail pending trial. Court is adjourned."

As the bailiffs stepped forward to chain Leo’s hands back to his waist, he suddenly lunged toward the wooden partition separating us.

"Judith!" he screamed, his face contorted in desperation, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Judith, please! I was confused! My mother pushed me into it! I love you, Judith! Please don't do this to me!"

I stood up from the witness stand.

I didn't reach for my wheelchair. I didn't flinch from his screams.

I walked right up to the wooden partition, standing inches away from him, looking down into his sniveling, desperate face.