The Case of Robert Neal

A short story about a man with Downs Syndrome and convicted of murder. Inspired by the quote 'Silence is a great healer".

The Case of Robert Neal

by david enicks

                The words coming from the judges mouth were heard but had seemed to fly over Robert's placid, blank stare. "Do you understand, Robert?" the Judge inquired. Did he? Robert said nothing.

                "You are to be executed next Friday. Until then you are on temporary leave." the Judge continued. Yes, Robert realized, I do understand. I just didn't want to. A representation of his understanding was given through a silent nod.

*             *             *

                "Do you even know what you did?" asked Robert's banker, who experienced for some reason a sentimental attachment to the case of Robert Neal.

                Robert shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea what he did. "How do they expect a deprived Downs patient to have-" the Banker stopped and glanced up at Robert. Robert looked back with a look of chilflike expectancy. A tear nearly welled up in the Bankers eye, but he held it back. "S-sorry. So what are you going to do with all this money?" Robert looked down at the envelope being handed to him. He took out a handful of bills and gave it to the Banker with a sad smile.

                The Banker cried.

                Robert didn't know where to go. That was okay. He didn't know a lot of things. That was okay, too. People were nice to him. They laughed whenever he was around. Robert was glad he made people happy. What had he done wrong? Did he hurt someone's feelings? He really hoped not. He suddenly started crying. I didn't mean to do anything, it was an accident, I swear! He headed towards the clinic he was raised at with tears and worry streaming down his face.

                When he got there, he was directed to the Manager's office. "I can't believe they did this to you. I'm very sorry." said the Manager. She sounded like she was talking to a child. It always made Robert giggle when she did that. With a quiet smile he gave her the envelope and she opened it.

                The Manager cried.

*             *             *

                The day of the execution was not quiet at all. Muffled tears were heard all around the square. Robert stood on the pedestal with a rope around his neck. "Any last words?" were the last words Robert would ever hear. He looked at the Judge with a mellow look on his face. The Judge grinned and Robert closed his eyes, remaining silent. The tears of the audience ceased as the Judge removed the pedestal from under Roberts feet. No more tears. Silence. Robert was glad. The Judge smiled to himself- two murders, scott-free. No more tears were shed for Robert since that day. Only silence, and Robert was glad.

Author's Note

I appreciate all kinds of feedback.

Reviews

[silvitic]

"People were nice to him. They laughed whenever he was around. Robert was glad he made people happy. What had he done wrong? Did he hurt someone's feelings? He really hoped not. He suddenly started crying. I didn't mean to do anything, it was an accident, I swear!" ugh that part made me tear up for some reason. I feel like this story is kind of like a figure it out yourself story, so from what I got from it is the judge knew what condiiton Robert had and that he would't say anything when he is found guilty, however Robert didn't actually hurt or kill anyone. The Judge framed him so that "Scott" could go free and get away with murder. I wish so badly that Robert would have talked. He could have explained. He could have saved his own life. It hurts me that he doesn't understand and it upsets me that no one is willing to defend him. I don't understand why Robert wants silence so badly. Does he think silence will bring peace? The story is very well written and evokes a lot of emotion, to me at least. My interpretation of the story could be wrong, but that's what I get from it.

[char]

Very interesting. Maybe I'm just a sick person, but I love this. You make the reader pity Robert; he has no idea what he did, but he already knows that he's tired of his condition. He says he doesn't understand, but maybe he does.

[Marie]

I did not understand the ending of this. It should have given more than it did.