Chapter Text
His head was bowed.
His hair was neatly brushed- their mother had seen to that- but it was free from product, so half of it fell into his face. The fuzzy blue sweater he had on made him look even younger than he was. Mihhail was sure his mother had done that on purpose.
Bit late to try to garner sympathy now, Mother..
(“If your brother was truly sorry, he wouldn't have done it in the first place!”)
“Please affirm your oath.”
“Tõendan ja annan au- ja südametunnistuse nimel vande, et ma räägin kohtule kogu tõe, ei varja ega lisa midagi omalt poolt juurde.”
(“I testify and, on my honor and conscience, swear that I will tell the court the whole truth, and I will not hide anything or add anything on my part.”)
“State your name for the record.”
“My name is Aleksandr Selevko.”
“State your age and your occupation.”
“I am twenty years old. I am a first year student at the University of Tartu.”
"Do you understand the charges brought before you today?"
Charge, not charges, Mihhail thought wildly. If you're going to put my brother away, at least have the decency to get it right!
"Yes, your Honor."
"You will not recant your statements later?"
"No, your Honor."
“How do you intend to plead, guilty or not guilty?”
A long pause.
Mihhail started shaking.
Beside him, his mother was almost bent double, her hands clenched so tightly they were white around the knuckles and the fingertips. She was silently mouthing a prayer. Please please please please…
On his other side, Emily was squeezing his hand so hard it hurt. Her other hand was squeezing the emerald of her necklace so hard her own hand likely hurt. Tears were already running down her face, which was as pale as Galina's.
From the row behind them, Anatoli Selevko put an arm around his wife and his secondborn son. Mihhail could smell his aftershave and his cologne. It had always been a comfort. It wasn't now.
“Answer the question, Mr Selevko.”
Please please please let Sasha have changed his mind!
Please please please let Sasha NOT have changed his mind!
“I intend to plead guilty.”
And Mihhail's world shattered.
***
From deep inside his mind, he heard Aleksandr's voice.
Would this be the only way they could communicate from now on, if his brother really went to jail?
"Mimi. I'm sorry."
"Mimi. Thank you."
***