Page 9 of Pen Pal

When you kill, you give them a part of your life in return. I say this because, as a result, you have to serve time, often a life sentence, behind bars. You become a sacrificial lamb, taking on several lifetimes of confinement when, instead, you should be living your life.

If you want reform, demand it. Protest, write to your senators and congressmen, and set up informative events. Vote for people who believe the same things you do. There are plenty of things you can do to make a difference that doesn't involve killing people.

It seems you've put the weight of the world on your shoulders, tasking yourself to rid the planet of scum. But that isn't your job, Lorenzo. You aren’t a martyr. That's why we have a justice system in place.

You can always report to the deputies what you hear the child abusers say, and maybe you could testify at their trials and help put them away longer.There are other ways you can help keep the world safe without taking a life.

You matter, Lorenzo, and you deserve to live a full life. I wish you'd treat yourself as if your life does matter and that you deserve to live it free of this place.

Maybe someday you'll see in yourself what I see in you. I don't see a broken man beyond repair. I see someone who wants to help the world but goes about it the wrong way. Let me show you alternatives. You can do this. I believe in you.

Sincerely,

Amara Branson

Before I knew it, the next day at work, there was another letter at my small desk in Gerald's office. Another worksheet was completed, and I skimmed over it. I wondered what Lorenzo had to say now, so I opened the letter quickly.

Dear Amara,

You called me Lorenzo and not Mr. Ricci. I appreciate that more than you know.

As for your view of the world, I fear you see it through rose-colored glasses. If left up to the justice system alone, pedophiles would continue to slip through the cracks, and more children would keepgetting hurt. I need to prevent that as much as I can. I can't just let it happen.

Legality is not always the basis of morality. It was once illegal to harbor Jewish people from the Nazis. Does that mean those who did should've just obeyed the law? Should they have let those people suffer and die?

That's how I see it. Pedophilia is an epidemic that must be stopped. If I could guarantee immediate reform, maybe then I would stop.

The jury system always seemed odd to me. Why fill the pews with random people? Why not have experts in body language, psychologists, or people who can pick up cues if the defendant or prosecutor is lying? That would already be a vast improvement. But even if I got a petition with thousands of signatures, it would take years before this was implemented.

That would be the first step for me to stop killing. Maybe then I would walk a different path. But until then, I don't see how I could stop.

-Enzo

I exhaled sharply. He was making progress, already considering alternatives to killing. It was a vast improvement, and my heart soared at the knowledge.

I grabbed a pen, noting the time. Today was my second visit with Lorenzo, so I wanted to finish and send out my letter before I saw him.

Dear Lorenzo,

I just got your letter and worksheet. Thank you for your candor. I know it can take a long time to make a difference. In the meantime, let's find other ways you can stop pedophiles.

As I mentioned in my previous letter, you can always report what you hear to the deputies. They can transmit this information to the judge and prosecutor and possibly get resentenced. You never know until you try.

I'm headed out to see you soon, so I have to cut this letter short. Keep doing your worksheets, Lorenzo. You're really getting somewhere, and I'm proud of you.

Sincerely,

Amara Branson

I stuffed the letter in the envelope and dropped it in the mailbox on the way to Ashwood Prison.

Gerald followed me in his car, and we were shown to one of the legal visit rooms. I sat next to Gerald and waited, my hands fidgeting as we waited.

Then the door buzzed open, and we stood.

Enzo was led inside, and the door clicked shut behind him. I almost rolled my eyes. He styled his hair, shaved his face, and looked like he made an effort to look presentable. Who did he think he was fooling here? There was no way I would go for an inmate.

No way in hell.

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