Clark remained silent, still struggling to fully accept what he had just heard.
Lucas then looked deep into Clark's eyes, speaking with unwavering conviction. "I know, no matter the reason, a crime is still a crime. And every wrongdoing must be punished. But as human beings, don't we also have an obligation to give others a chance? To believe that someone can change? That regret can give birth to the best version of a person?"
"If we ourselves refuse to give room for change, then what's the meaning of having a heart?"
Clark swallowed hard, his throat tightening. A part of him still wanted to hate, still wanted to blame. But hearing Lucas speak like that, with wounds still fresh and losses that weren't small, slowly broke down his walls. Standing before him was a young man who chose compassion over revenge.
