Laugh

I am 24601. It's funny how I have the same number as Jean Valjean. He didn't deserve to be in prison, not really. I do. 

Life isn't fair. You must have heard that at least a thousand times by now. But saying it is one thing. Believing it is another. 

I am here because I killed a man. It is fair that I should be punished because I disrespected the sanctity of life. It is fair that I should be punished because I committed murder. But is it fair that he murdered my entire family? Is it fair that he was never convicted for it? 

I know that two wrongs don't make a right. I know that even if someone does me a wrong, it doesn't give me the right to do the same. I know that killing him can't change things, can't bring my family back. But somehow, seeing his eyes glaze over with fear, watching his blood splatter across the concrete in crimson pools, feeling the power rush through my veins - it makes me happy. Very happy. And somewhat... at peace. 

So you see why I deserve to be here? I exacted my revenge. Now I have to pay the price. I didn't feel any remorse, still don't, never will. 

***

The executioner looks at me strangely as I am led to the gallows. A bubble of laughter rises through me and bursts. 

There's nothing for me to look forward to, no one for me to worry about anymore. 

I am free.