I couldn’t help but think of Viola’s mother. Last night, she held Viola close, ready to risk everything. She said, “Viola, don’t worry. Even if it costs me my life, I’ll keep you safe! I’ll beat the drums and take our case to the king. These cursed laws should’ve been changed long ago.”
I couldn’t eat. The places on my body where I’d been whipped needed fresh bandages every hour, but I felt no pain at all.
Finally, news spread like wildfire through the streets.
At this morning’s court session, Viola’s father, Adam Louis, submitted a petition signed by a hundred people, denouncing the unjust laws and the lack of respect for women. He passionately called for the abolition of these oppressive laws.
His words sparked outrage. Most people saw him as selfish, willing to abandon traditions passed down by our ancestors for his own gain.
But a few officials agreed with him, acknowledging the unfairness and supporting the call for change.
The king was furious and had Adam and the other officials whipped ten times each before releasing them.
However, the incident caused quite a stir among the people.