Chapter 17 - Justice Beneath the Desert Sun
Voss was convicted of fraud, unlawful imprisonment, conspiracy, and crimes connected to the forced-labor operation.
The verdict couldn't restore lost years.
But truth entered the official record.
Tomas heard the news from his bed.
He smiled.
“Good.”
That evening, Naira sat beside him.
“You should sleep.”
“I've slept enough.”
He touched the turquoise beads.
“Wear them.”
“I can't.”
“They were never chains.”
Naira cried.
Tomas continued.
“You thought they meant waiting.”
He placed them into her palm.
“They meant love.”
He looked toward Elias outside.
“Love doesn't become false because another love comes later.”
Naira bowed her head.
Tomas died before sunrise.
Not alone.
Naira held one hand.
May you like
Elias held the other.
And when the desert dawn arrived, Tomas Nantan was finally free.
