Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: RECORD (04/22/21)
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TITLE: The Extra Mile | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sue Botte
04/28/21 -
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He quickly glanced around. Recognizes the newspaperman, Neville, whom he asked to be there; with a slight nod he acknowledged him.
He sat down in the front row.
'Silence!’ The Officer of the court spoke with a deep voice.
Silence, indeed.
Not knowing why this court sitting was called, and paid for, some of the now seated and silenced people were trained security persons. Each person that entered had been scrutinized for the possibility of carrying a concealed weapon.
‘All rise.’ No one missed the deep tenor like voice of the Officer.
Entered from the court chamber’s door; The Judge. Only a few people knew, under the black robe is the body of a bull. His icy blue eyes obscured from the people in the courtroom.
‘Be seated.’ The Officer called out.
The judge faced the people, his eyes scanned the audience, for a moment rested on each person present.
‘Who has called this highly unusual court sitting?’ He asked.
‘I hope you are not wasting my time.’ The Judge frowned as he made the statement.
In the first row Mnason, tall and reedy but fit with thick dark hair, rose.
The people whispers: ‘Who is he, do you know him, where is he from?’
‘Step forward.’ Simultaneously The Judge looked at the Officer who opened the small gate and appointed the man to stand behind the Oregon pine desk. There is only one chair at the desk. The only document he brought with him, was his brown leather bound Bible, he put it down on the desk.
‘State your name.’
‘Mnason Davidtz.’
‘I understand there is no crime, no use to swear you in then, is there?’
‘That is correct, your Honour. I trust the court stenographer is present.’
The Judge looked at the Officer of the court.
‘Yes, the person is.’ He answers.
The Judge leaned forward; he looked directly in the eyes of Mnason.
‘It states in your request for this court sitting: “An act of contrition.” An apology…to whom do you apologise and on what grounds? This is a most unusual request, what is your motive?’
Anticipation weighed heavy; silence in court was absolute, intense and not a breath heard. All ears seemed to be like an elephants’ just before charging; slightly raised and brought forward…not a word they intend to miss.
The people expected strange dark secrets from the well-groomed man, more so, because he is unknown to most people in the courthouse.
‘Your Honour, I am self-appointed to this act of contrition. I want to apologise to those who needed an apology after a wrongdoing, I want to apologise on behalf of those who consider it below themselves and are too proud to apologise, especially to a lesser person according to their outlook on life. I want and need to apologise to those who deem themselves not worthy the recipient of good manners, yet they are.
Sometimes people do not speak full sentences, and they tend to omit, especially, when an apology is due. Taking for granted the other person ‘will know.’ ‘Will know’ are not; I am sorry, I apologise. Pride usually takes over, keeping them in their own prison, unbeknown to themselves.
There is only to gain by apologising. Today I am here to apologise to those persons who feel an apology is due them for whatever reason. The reason is only important to them and not to others; there is much value in an apology.
Herewith then, an apology on behalf of those from whom an apology is due to whom an apology is due.
My motive, your Honour is Psa 123:4 and Gal 6:2.’
Mnason Davidtz, having done what he came to do, sat down.
The fullness of his words was hanging in the courtroom like a vine in full bloom, the scent faint and lingering.
Some were crying.
Thank you God.
The Judge, after a minute or two, himself pondering the words of Mnason, hit the gavel on the block.
‘Court adjourned.’
‘All rise…’
Mnason stood up, the Officer of the court took him by the arm.
‘Thank you...’
‘Glory to God.’ He answered, and wished he had brought a few Bibles with him.
____________ .
Word count 741
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However your entry needs some polishing in tense usage.
Might I suggest Jan and Ann's writing and grammar basics in the forums?