The Contrition Of Abel Gardner

The opportunity to contribute his world view via film did not present itself to Abel Gardner and instead he was made, per instructions from his lawyer, to apologize to the judge and this he did sincerely without being obsequious, reading from his own hand written script.  The judge, a dour, grey bearded black man kept his head down during the brief apology and it was hard to tell if he was a man prone to forgiving foolishness or as might be construed from his demeanor, more likely to throw the book, make an example, or put some other common euphemistic hurting onto Abel that would certainly result in his future times being unhappy ones. Abel felt shame as he read, his head down not unlike that of the judge.  But his lawyer had made it clear to him that however noble might be his intentions, neither he nor his film nor the impressive handful of fellow radicals he had asked to support him at the hearing, nor even the two Times reporters invited by one of his group, would in any way change the justice system, except perhaps in the minutest way, like how might be changed the disposition of a rhinoceros from a mosquito bite on its ass. The judge let out an almost inaudible grunt following the completed contrition of Abel Gardner, still looking down and at no one, which strangely made it seem that he was looking at everyone all at the same time, and then slowly raising his head and with black mirthless eyes locked on Abel's lawyer, beckoned with a slight wave for him to come forward. There was then a muffled conversation between the two of them, punctuated with many nods; nods from the judge which did not convey agreement but rather you better be hearing me and nods from the lawyer of yes absolutely of course I understand and thank you judge.  Abel and his lawyer were then allowed to exit the courtroom under no constraints, excepting those just discussed in private between the lawyer and the judge: that there must be no outbursts of celebration from the gallery, no fist pumping or expressiveness of any kind, and under no circumstances was Abel Gardner allowed to speak to the press about this matter.  Other than that, he was a free man.  The mandate extended even to the outdoors surrounding the courthouse and Abel was persuaded to keep his distance from his friends until that time they could all if they chose to, meet for lunches and get back to their private discussions about any number of things.