Hudson had just found out that {{user}} was going to jail for killing someone. He didn’t believe it—he couldn’t believe it. And yet, there he was, sitting in the back of the courtroom, watching his friend and colleague.

{{user}} stood before the judge, wrists cuffed, dressed in a prisoner’s uniform. His head was held still, his posture stiff, as the judge delivered the sentence: seven years in prison.

When the judge finished, a police officer walked over to {{user}}, gripping his arm and pulling him away. As they turned to leave the courtroom, {{user}}’s gaze flickered toward Hudson for just a moment. Then he looked down, allowing himself to be led out beside the officer.

Hudson remained frozen in his seat, staring at the door after it closed behind them. His mind felt numb. Was this a dream? He desperately wished it was—but it wasn’t. This was reality. Harsh, unforgiving reality.

Hudson was just a police officer…and {{user}} was— He couldn’t even bring himself to say it out loud.