O) You jump quickly out of the moving cart. As you land, you twist your ankle. “Oooooowwwww!” you shout. The driver of the cart turns around with a startled look on his face. “Thief! Thief! Stop him! He tried to steal my grain!” he yells at the top of his lungs. You panic and hobble away, in great pain! Two Roman soldiers hear the man shouting and run after you. “Stop in the name of Caesar!” the older one screams. You stagger to a standstill. The younger soldier draws his sword, saying, “Let’s kill this little thief right now!” Your eyes grow wide with fear. “No.”, the older soldier says calmly. “This young one is a Roman citizen. All citizens deserve a trial under our law. We must uphold the law.” The younger soldier sheathes his sword with a look of disappointment. As the two soldiers escort you to the jail to await your trial, you are suddenly grateful for Roman law, and the chance to tell your side of the story.

THE END

copyright Jay D'Ambrosio 2000