The Courtroom – prologue

Bette’s Home

The early morning sun filters through the floor to ceiling windows of Bette Porter’s sleek, modern home, casting a soft glow over the minimalist bedroom. Everything is in its place perfectly arranged, neat, and orderly but the space feels cold, almost sterile. Bette lies awake, staring up at the ceiling, her thoughts already running in a thousand directions before the day has even begun. She can’t shake the image of Tina beside her, the warmth of her body, the soft sound of her breathing in the quiet of the morning.

There was a time when waking up next to Tina felt like the most natural thing in the world like the space between them was always filled with an unspoken connection, a shared rhythm that made everything else fade away. But now, the bed feels vast and empty, as if it’s an ocean she has to cross alone. The warmth of Tina’s presence is gone, leaving the sheets cold and unfamiliar. Tina is no longer beside her, and the silence that fills the space is suffocating. It’s a silence that clings to her, reminding her of the widening gap between them, a distance she can’t seem to close no matter how hard she tries. It has become her constant companion, a harsh echo of everything that’s been lost. The comfort of waking up next to someone she loved so deeply is nothing more than a distant memory, one that slips further out of reach with each passing day

The sharp beep of the alarm breaks the silence, jolting her from her thoughts. She exhales heavily, a mixture of frustration and resignation escaping her lips. With a tired groan, she rubs her face, trying to push away the weight in her chest before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Her feet hit the hardwood floor, and she stands, running a hand through her thick, curly hair.

Groggily, Bette makes her way to the bathroom, the sleek, modern design a sharp contrast to the heaviness in her chest. The room is an oasis of elegance, with smooth, marble floors that reflect the soft, ambient lighting. The walls are lined with soft, neutral tones, and the minimalist decor creates a sense of peace, though it does little to ease the turmoil inside her.