Redeeming Conscience

A man who escapes accountability for past illegal activities endeavors to live a productive life. However, at every turn he fears discovery.

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A Troubled Past

As a teen, Alonzo faced the relentless pressure of joining a gang for protection. In the midst of his initiation, he found himself compelled to participate in a random drive-by shooting. The weight of his conscience intensified, as he pondered the victim’s shattered dreams and the ripple effects on her grieving family.

Seeking to appear more intimidating, he etched tattoos upon his skin, camouflaging his vulnerabilities beneath a facade of toughness. The gang prowled the streets, seeking opportunities to outnumber and assault unsuspecting victims under the cover of darkness.

Girls associated with the gang traded their bodies and drugs for survival. Trapped in a treacherous existence, they often endured injuries while rendering their services. In such cases, the gang sought brutal retribution.

Alonzo bore witness to the tragic demise of many of his associates, consumed by the relentless street wars spawned by their criminal lifestyle. Upon graduating from high school, Alonzo mustered the courage to sever his ties with that perilous world.

A Glimmer of Hope

In an attempt to rebuild his life, Alonzo enrolls in a trade school, immersing himself in the art of bookkeeping and automotive body repair. Word of his skills spreads, and even former gang members seek his expertise to erase the evidence of their violent pasts from their vehicles.

After two years of unwavering commitment, Alonzo graduates with an associate’s degree, bidding farewell to the familiar shadows that once engulfed him. It is during this transitional phase that he crosses paths with Ricardo, an astute employer who recognizes his potential.

“You’ve got some real talent, Alonzo. I’ve seen the way you work with those cars. Impressive,” Ricardo acknowledges.

“Thanks, Ricardo. I’m just trying to turn my life around, you know?” Alonzo replies, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

“Well, you’re doing an outstanding job. Tell you what, I could use someone like you in my shop. How about you start by repairing vehicles for me?” Ricardo offers.

“That sounds great, Ricardo. I won’t let you down,” Alonzo accepts with gratitude.

Over time, Alonzo proves himself, earning Ricardo’s trust and admiration. A chance arises for him to demonstrate his prowess in bookkeeping, and he embraces the opportunity with unwavering dedication.

Months pass, filled with heartfelt conversations between Alonzo and Ricardo, who becomes both a mentor and a confidant. Alonzo’s progress within the company serves as a testament to his resilience and his unwavering commitment to a better life.

“Alonzo, you’ve been doing an incredible job here. I’m impressed by your dedication and attention to detail. How would you feel about taking on some bookkeeping responsibilities as well?” Ricardo proposes.

“I’ve studied bookkeeping, but I never thought I’d get the chance to use those skills here,” Alonzo expresses his surprise.

“I believe in you, Alonzo. I see the potential in you. Together, we can make this shop thrive,” Ricardo assures him.

A Dim Future

Buoyed by his growing skills and confidence, Alonzo yearns for independence. He sets out to establish his own bookkeeping business. However, with each potential client he encounters, a lingering shadow of uncertainty casts doubt upon his newfound path.

“So, Alonzo, what led you to start your own business?” Desiree, an attractive woman working at a small business he solicits, asks curiously.

“I wanted to create something of my own, to have control over my destiny. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m determined to make it work,” Alonzo explains, cautiously guarding his past.

“I admire your drive and ambition. It takes a lot of courage to start from scratch. I’d love to learn more about your journey,” Desiree replies, her curiosity piqued.

As Alonzo gets to know Desiree, he realizes that her family has a connection to his past. His heart sinks as he learns that her older sister was one of the prostitutes associated with his former gang, a life tragically cut short.

“It’s complicated, Desiree. I’ve made mistakes in the past, and it’s something I’m still trying to reconcile. I hope you understand,” Alonzo says, his voice laced with regret.

Desiree nods, a mixture of empathy and concern in her eyes. They part ways, their budding courtship brought to an abrupt halt by the haunting shadows of Alonzo’s past.

As Alonzo’s income stabilizes, he meets another woman named Celia. Their conversations in coffee shops gradually reveal a surprising connection—her cousins were rival gang members from his past.

Alonzo confronts the disheartening reality that his quest for a fresh start is consistently entwined with reminders of his turbulent history. Their budding relationship comes to an abrupt halt, thwarted by the relentless specter of their intertwined pasts.

A Fight for Redemption

Every effort to distance himself from his past only serves to amplify the echoes of unescapable memories. Alonzo bears the weight of his unaddressed crimes, haunted by the suffering he inflicted upon his victims. Each knock on the door sends a jolt of fear through his veins, as he wonders if his time for retribution has finally arrived.

Sleep eludes him, and forming new relationships becomes a distant dream. The burden becomes unbearable, and Alonzo makes the difficult decision to turn himself in to the authorities, seeking a path towards redemption.

Many of the people he harmed were nameless by his recollection. Because of his confession, he receives a sentence of 15 years. But this gets knocked down to 10 years with good behavior. Due to prison overcrowding, he gets released after serving 6 years.

His prison record prevents him from doing bookkeeping. No longer fearful of police discovering him as a fugitive, he is able to resume working on cars. In time, he meets a woman named Roxanna. After honest confession of his past, she maintains interest. The relationship progresses to marriage and she becomes pregnant.

His prior confession implicated other gang members who seek retribution, intent on destroying the life he has painstakingly rebuilt. In the stillness of the night, bullets shatter the tranquility of his apartment. Acting on instinct, he rushes to shield his wife, Roxanna, from harm. As he stands to roll the mattress over her for cover, he is struck in the back and collapses onto the floor.

In the hospital, surgeons deliver the grim news—partial paralysis on his left side. The injuries render him unable to work on cars, and he loses his job, forcing him to rely on government disability payments. These prove insufficient to support their growing family. Determined to provide for them, Roxanna takes up work as a waitress, defying the physical toll it takes on her during her pregnancy.

A Beacon of Light

After rigorous physical therapy, Alonzo slowly regains mobility and seizes the opportunity to establish a bookkeeping business under Roxanna’s name. With unwavering determination, he imparts his knowledge and skills to his wife.

Roxanna is now equipped to generate a stable income for their family. Together, they overcome the hardships that come their way, finding strength in their shared love and unwavering commitment to their child.

Their son, Emanuel, grows up in a nurturing environment, shielded from the shadows of the past. Alonzo and Roxanna serve as beacons of hope, steering him away from the allure of gang involvement.

In the face of adversity, they stand tall, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope to triumph over the darkest of circumstances. Their journey serves as a reminder that even in the depths of despair, redemption and healing are within reach, illuminating the path towards a brighter future.

The End

Prevent plot spoilers by beginning with the first episode of a story. Return twice weekly for miniseries. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. Login provides the most immersive experience. About 1300 total words. Audio may include sound effects that alter reading time. Educational review questions are available for ClinicalNovellas Scholar members.