Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
>>>
Ken's POV
The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as Toni and I sat side by side at our table. The weight of the lawsuit against Kenston's school, the wrestling coach, and the parent of the student who had brought steroids into the school bore heavily on our shoulders. This was our chance to seek justice for Kenston, and we were determined to see it through.
The judge called the court to order, and the proceedings began. The school's attorney presented their defense first, arguing that the school had no knowledge of the steroids and that the coach was not responsible for the actions of a single student. The parent's attorney echoed similar sentiments, claiming ignorance.
When it was our turn, Our attorney presented a compelling case. They detailed how the culture within the wrestling team had fostered an environment where performance-enhancing drugs were not only accessible but encouraged. They highlighted the negligence of the school and the coach in failing to address the issue, despite clear signs of steroid use among the athletes.
The turning point came when Kenston took the stand. He was nervous but resolute. He recounted how he had been pressured by his teammates and the coach to use steroids to enhance his performance. He spoke about the physical and emotional toll it had taken on him and how he had felt trapped in a cycle of dependency and fear.
"Kenston, can you tell the court how this experience has affected you?" the attorney asked gently.
Kenston took a deep breath, his voice steady."It ruined my life. I lost my sense of self-worth, my health deteriorated, and I was constantly living in fear of being caught. I felt like I had no choice but to use the steroids because everyone around me was doing it, and the coach turned a blind eye."
The courtroom fell silent as Kenston's words hung in the air. The judge listened intently, taking in every word. The defense tried to discredit his testimony, but Kenston remained composed and unwavering.
The school's attorney stood up, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Kenston, isn't it true that you never reported any of this to the school administration?"
Kenston looked directly at the attorney. "I didn't report it because I was scared. The coach made it clear that if we spoke out, there would be consequences. We were threatened with losing our spots on the team. Also, my teammates and more importantly the coaches son, who's the team lead, He threatened to hurt us badly if we went against him."
The defense attorney smirked."So, you're saying you were too scared to speak up, yet you want us to believe you're telling the truth now?"
Kenston's eyes flashed with determination."Yes. Because now I have nothing left to lose. I want to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else."
After hours of deliberation, the judge finally delivered the verdict. "In light of the evidence presented and the compelling testimony of Kenston, I find the defendants—Kenston's school, the wrestling coach, and the parent of the student—guilty of negligence and failing to provide a safe environment for their students."
We clasped hands, tears of relief and triumph streaming down our families faces. We had won the case. Justice had been served, and Kenston's bravery in testifying had made all the difference. The judge ordered the school to implement strict policies to prevent such incidents in the future and mandated compensation for the damages Kenston had suffered.
As they left the courtroom, Kenston turned to his parents. "Thanks Mom and Dad."
Toni hugged her son tightly. "We're so proud of you, Kenston. You stood up for what was right, and you made a difference."
I smiled, feeling a renewed sense of hope and strength. They had faced a daunting battle, but together, they had emerged victorious.
