The police officer was arrested after a tragic operation. He was accused of causing his partner’s death, even though it all happened by accident.
The trial lasted for weeks: testimonies, evidence, arguments…
But in the end, the verdict was announced — seven years in prison.
When the judge gave him the last word, the man said in a trembling voice:
— I’m not looking for excuses. I didn’t want this, it all happened by accident. I only ask — let me say goodbye to him. To ask him for forgiveness… and his family too.
The courtroom fell silent.
The judge lowered his eyes, then nodded:
— Alright. But you will go under guard.
On the day of the funeral, the sky seemed to mourn as well.
Cold rain fell nonstop, and the wind drove black clouds over the cemetery.
Family, friends, and colleagues gathered.
The mother of the deceased stood a little apart, wrapped in a black shawl. Her shoulders trembled, her lips whispered her son’s name.
Everyone around was crying. No one spoke — only the sound of raindrops hitting the coffin lid and quiet sobs.
And suddenly police cars appeared in the distance.
People turned. From one of the cars stepped a man in an orange prison uniform, handcuffed, with his head lowered. He was escorted by four officers.
A whisper ran through the crowd:
— That’s him…
— It’s because of him this all happened…
When the prisoner approached, everyone stepped aside to clear a path.
He stopped by the coffin, on which lay the badge and cap of the deceased.
The prisoner slowly knelt before the coffin and whispered through tears:
— Forgive me, brother. Forgive me… I didn’t want this. I think about you every day. If I could turn back time… I would have taken your place.
He lowered his head and cried. Rain streamed down his face, mixing with his tears.
The family looked at him with hatred — someone clenched their fists, someone turned away. But no one said a word, because the police officers were standing nearby, and they didn’t want the funeral to turn into a fight.
And suddenly the mother of the deceased stepped forward.
She slowly approached the man and stopped next to him.
Everyone froze.
No one understood what she was about to do.
And then the mother did something that shocked everyone
Continuation in the first comment
The mother looked for a long time at her son’s former partner — at his lowered head, at his hands in handcuffs… and then suddenly knelt down beside him.
Silently, she embraced him and pulled him close.
The prisoner couldn’t believe it was really happening.
He lifted his head, looked at her — and couldn’t hold back his sobs.
— I forgive you, — the woman whispered. — And my son does too. I know it was an accident. He loved you like a brother, and he wouldn’t want you to suffer for the rest of your life.
He nodded, pressing his forehead to her shoulder.
People around couldn’t hold back their tears. Even the officers turned away to hide their emotions.
When they were separated, he walked away, looking back over his shoulder.
The mother stood by the grave, watching him leave.
And at that moment, for the first time in many months, he felt like he could breathe.