Gemotions

The courtroom was silent, save for the rhythmic clicking of my pen. Across from me sat my opposing counsel, his expression, at this very moment, a perfect reflection of my own unease. We were both presenting cases, based on legal precedents – that were, impossibly, the exact same precedents. Same laws. Same interpretations. Same arguments.

I ran a hand through my hair, a gesture I hadn’t realized I’d adopted from him. The weight of the situation seemed to press down on me, making it difficult to breathe. The realization slammed into me. We were both on the same side.

He finally spoke, his voice quiet. "I don’t… I don't know what's happening here." His gaze locked with mine. A shared sense of bewilderment hung in the air, heavy and unresolved.