It wasn’t really a pleasant afternoon in the women’s section of Kaunas prison. Every prisoner wished to spend her time by and by, just to get by. One was Karolina Rolandas, who was sentenced to death for killing 17 men. For the nature of her crimes she stood out from the rest and had to endure the harsh treatment and degrading slurs, on regular basis. She desperately needed someone to take care of her baby-boy, Lukas. Having the alarming traits of a ‘’psychopath’’ since thebeginning, combined with her lover leaving her pregnant with Lukas at the age of 20, led her to kill all those men. There she was inevitably bearing her fate behind bars, waiting for death.
Within the time frame of a few days, she somehow managed to talk to one of the guards, who guarded the waiting area. He had her meet the Grazvydas; a middle-aged, infertile couple who ran an orphanage.
It was THE day, Waking up she went through shower and nourishment.
It was an exact five-minute walk from that part of the prison to the place where the gallows were located. She was taken with several other death row prisoners. When asked for her final words, she said nothing and gave a diabolical grin. Within a few seconds she hung by the rope, as life choked out of her. It was a horrifying spectacle, but was soon over.
Lukas was now, in his late teens. A good boy raised my Mr. and Mrs. Grazvydas. He was provided with a good life, having his initial training at the orphanage and being welcomed into their house, by the age of 6. He was aware of his background, but never let it defy his life. Grazvydas were the only parents he had ever known, they loved him.He would study throughout the day; spend time with his family and his childhood-sweetheart, and go out once in a while. Solely focused on becoming a lawyer, he worked hard and considered spending some time at the Saint Petersburg (state) University’s law faculty. He had never left his hometown, moreover he was keen on doing so,for he was constantly upbraided and ostracized by the society because of his disturbing background. It was difficult to persuade his caring and possessive parents but he was successful, and within no time he left for Russia.
Upon reaching, St. Petersburg, he spent the first few days roaming around, mingling with the common people and visiting the palaces of aristocracy and other monuments (and places). He met a mad-man who gave him a broken watch and said, ‘’bad times are on their way”. Though the watch worked perfectly fine. Lukas took the watch out of courtesy and contemplated abouthis comments, at night. However he let it go.
He settled and continued his education. He would meet people from all walks of life, in the university. He had some of the best professors and teachers. He worked hard, paid great attention during the lectures, indulged in debates, and spent most of his spare time at the library.
A professor by the name of Mikhael, helped him during his stay. Over time he grew fond of this experienced man who spent 30 years in law practice, but had to give it up because of the loose-control and corruption. Now as a professor he teaches and inspires his students with his astounding; knowledge, skills and experience.
One evening, as Lukas sat by his side at the library. He came up with a question, ‘who or what is responsible for the provision of justice for the loved ones of a murdered victim, if the legal system fails to provide it?’
You could see by the weariness in the eyes of Mr. Mikhael. He spent almost half of his life figuring this out. However, he still went on to giving an answer. “That’s a great question, Lukas. The law is the guarantee to maintaining the functionality of a society, supporting public opinion, and giving the right sanctions. In other words it provides justice, or at least that’s how it should be. If it fails, one should not resort to taking the law in his/her own hands, as it would be an opportunity for people to bring about anarchy. That can’t be the solution. And patience does not always work. Then what does? What if the entire system is rigged? I’m, afraid I would have to leave you half-way Lukas. You have to seek the answer to it yourself once you progress through your career, to be.”
Lukas was on his way back to the residence when he came across a man who seemingly knew him from, Kaunas (Lithuania). He thought he had left everyone behind, but according to this gentleman, he was in St. Petersburg on his fur-trade business, and was his friend David’s father, from school. Lukas, did not want to talk to him but had to play along. He bid a farewell and flew away from the conversation as soon as possible.
The winter months of the Baltic city were relentless; therefore Lukas took some of his precious time out and went to see his family for a few days. It was an emotional reunion. He met with Natalia and discussed on shifting to Vilnius once he completes his education. She was happy as long as he was.
