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Show 159 in the Marmalade District, we'll think of you . . . and of how much your caring has enriched all our lives." There was profound silence in the courtroom as Mrs. Simpson took a deep breath. "Most of all," she went on, "we want you to know we believe in you. As we have from the beginning." She stopped speaking. Parker felt the tide of emotion that washed over the class. His own knuckles were white, clenching the armrests of his seat. "That'8 all I have to say, your Honor.|' Mrs. Simpson sat down. Dyna's grandmother was crying softly, her shoulders giving her away, but Dyna hadn't moved. The judge removed his glasses before he spoke again. "That's a very fine tribute, Mrs. Simpson. We know it's possible for a young person to make a complete turnaround; otherwise, we'd dispense with the juvenile court system altogether. When it happens," he said, and his face softened, "we imagine Justice herself smiles." Whether justice was smiling Parker didn't know, but Dyna was smiling at all of them, her eyes shining across the distance that separated them. "I'm wondering if any of Dyna's classmates care to add to the record of this hearing before we close." No one moved. No one spoke. Parker knew they couldn't. "Anyone?" the judge invited again. Parker was on his feet. "Yes, Sir," he said, and the voice that filled the room was full and sure of itself. "Mrs. Simpson spoke for all of us. And it's true. Everything she said. But there's a very important matter that you might want to consider The at this hearing! /The ceremonies coming up Thursday night . . . graduation, Sir?" "Yes. What about graduation?" "Will Dyna be released in time to attend Commencement with the rest of us?" Judge Kranes looked doubtful. "You see, your Honor, wearing that cap and gown . . . getting her diploma . . . that's been her great goal of the year." He felt a muscle twitch in his cheek. The judge turned to Dyna's detention counselor. "She is, in fact, graduating,isn't she?" |