Welp... Now What?

Court Dismissed

This story was first written during a YouTube video where I challenged myself to write drunk and edit sober. I edited this story sober a few weeks later. If you want to check out the video my channel is Patrick Procrastinates Writing. I think I typically would have avoided writing a story like this because I know nothing about the legal system, but the alcohol gave me a bit of courage. Remember if you chose to drink and write to do so legally and responsibly. I hope you enjoy!

"Will the plaintiff now rise," the judge said looking over to the right of the courtroom. "Mr. Edwards, is it?"

"Yes, your honor, "Edwards responded, fixing his tie as he stood behind his podium.

"Would you like to give an opening statement?" the Judge asked.

Eduards nodded. "I would, your honor," he stated before clearing his throat. "I am here today because of a disagreement between myself and Ms. Alvarez over the overdue rent payments she owes. For the past seven years, Ms. Alvarez has been one of my tenants, and until now there has not been a single issue. However, in the months before the impact of the asteroid, Salvadore, she refused to make those payments, citing her desire to spend the money elsewhere considering the circumstances, and being the nice person I am I did not raise an issue on those final three months. However, in the time since I have yet to receive those payments or the two monthly payments that were due since the asteroid did not hit. I am here asking-"

"I told you already, I'll pay you when I get a job," Ms. Alvarez interrupted. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to find work in this market? Oh, no you don't because you've never worked a day in your life you asshole."

The judge slammed down the gavel. "Order. May I remind the defendant not to respond until I address them directly?" Alvarez nodded. The judge turned their attention back to Edwards and gestured for him to continue.

"Thank you, your honor. As I was saying I am looking for the court to aid me in getting the funds for overdo rent that I am rightfully owed."

The judge turned their attention to Alvarez. "Does the defendant have an opening statement?""First of all, you told me not to worry about the three bills from before Salvadore. It doesn't matter if Armageddon happened or not. A deal is a deal. Second of all-"

"Woah", the judge said. "Please speak calmly and direct your statement towards me, not the plaintiff. I'll be asking the questions as needed."

Alvarez turned her attention to the Judge. She was not dressed as properly as the plaintiff, but she did look civil. "I find myself here to argue my side against Mr. Edward's claim that I owe him 9,500 dollars for the 5 months of rent I have not paid. Not only did Edwards originally waive the rent in the months before the apocalypse, but he also illegally raised the rent after the asteroid vanished. I have evidence of both the raise in price and that he initially waived the rent. I hope the court considers the facts here. Thank you, your honor!"

The judge turned to Mr. Edwards. "9,500 dollars for five months. Is that the correct dollar amount?"

Edwards nodded. "1,500 from the original three months and 8,000 for the two after Salvadore did not hit. In addition, there were also damages to the property during the end of world festivities that I would like appraised to add on-"