Kneeling before you was a vulnerable young man. His head rested comfortably in your lap, his eyes half-lidded and face flushed.

“It ain’t fair. I was young — it was me or him.” John mumbled softly against your palm, a sigh leaving his lips with every delicate caress.

“I just think maybe if I hadn’t done it, then I wouldn’t be here. I could live an honest life.” His voice broke with every word spoken. The raw, unbridled emotion exuded from this dangerous outlaw, now exposed.