Page 84 of Dig Your Grave

Part of me wanted to hate her, but seeing her pale and frightened, I realized she was just another product of that toxic legacy.That didn’t excuse her complicity, but maybe her cooperation now would help prevent more tragedies.

After weeks of testimony and cross-examination, the jury deliberated.The tension was thick enough to choke on as we waited in the courthouse lobby.Toccara’s mother clutched a small framed photo of her daughter.Kate paced.Anubis held my hand so tight my knuckles turned white.

Finally, word came:The jury had a verdict.

We filed back inside.The foreman stood, reading aloud:

The robed man: Guilty ofsecond-degree murderin Toccara’s death, pluskidnappingandassaultof others.

Severalwatchers: Guilty ofconspiracy to commit manslaughterandobstruction.Sentences varied.

Dr.Lansing: Found guilty ofcoercionandunethical medical practicebut recommended a reduced sentence due to her cooperation and evidence of threats.

Sophie: Guilty ofaccessoryandobstruction.The judge granted partial leniency, ordering five years in prison with eligibility for parole in half that time, contingent on continued cooperation.

Gasps and sobs echoed through the courtroom.The robed man’s face darkened with rage.The watchers slumped, some shouting denials.Sophie broke down, tears running.Toccara’s mother wept openly, voice cracking.

Anubis and I squeezed each other’s hands, tears filling my eyes.Toccara, I thought, heart raw.They can’t bring you back, but justice is served.I only hoped it helped her family heal.

Afterwards, outside the courthouse, media thronged us again.But this time, I braced my shoulders.I stepped forward with Anubis beside me, and Kate filming, to give a short statement:

“Toccara was a bright spirit who deserved to live,” I said into the microphones.“Today’s verdict shows that no matter how powerful an organization might seem, justice can be found when people stand together.Edenvane is changing.This is for Toccara.”

Applause rippled from the small crowd of supporters.Toccara’s mother embraced me, tears on her cheeks.I held her, words failing.In that moment, the final piece of closure clicked into place.We did it.

With the trial concluded and the conspirators sentenced, Edenvane embarked on a genuine rebirth.The caretaker dean, Dr.Bridges, officially became Dean Bridges after the board’s unanimous vote.Under her leadership, the college established clear anti-hazing regulations and launched a new Center for Ethical Leadership and Journalism in honor of Toccara.

The atmosphere felt lighter, more open.Students who once feared retribution for speaking out found their voices.The “slums” dorm, Eden Hall, got a major renovation and a new name:Divore Hall, dedicated to Toccara’s memory and my own scholarship legacy.That part made me blush with embarrassment whenever people said my name in connection to a building, but it was mostly to honor Toccara.

Summer break approached swiftly.Finals loomed, and Anubis and I juggled interviews, press inquiries, and our volunteer roles on the new student advisory panel.We recommended practical changes: a more transparent scholarship system, mandatory ethics training for all Greek-letter organizations, an open complaint line for harassment.

One evening, as we left the newly renovated Divore Hall after a student advisory meeting, I paused, gazing at the plaque by the entrance:

“In memory of Toccara and in honor of those who fought for truth.May all who enter these halls walk in courage and integrity.”

Tears welled.Anubis wrapped an arm around me.“Hey,” he said softly.“Are you okay?”

I sniffled, nodding.“Yes.Just… glad Toccara’s name is right here for everyone to see.She’ll never be forgotten.”

He planted a kiss on my forehead.“She’s part of Edenvane’s story forever now.”

After the trial and the swirl of campus reforms, life settled into a surreal normalcy.Anubis and I looked forward, focusing on our future.We set a wedding date for the following spring, giving us time to finish the semester and plan.My mother squealed with excitement, insisting she help pick my dress.

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