The imprisoned police officer came to say goodbye to his partner, who had died because of him… But what the partner’s mother did shocked everyone 

The officer was arrested after a tragic operation. He was accused of causing his partner’s death, even though it had been an accident. The trial went on for weeks — testimonies, evidence, arguments… And finally, the verdict was delivered: seven years in prison.

When the judge gave him the last word, the man spoke in a trembling voice:

— I’m not looking for excuses. I didn’t mean for this to happen. It was an accident. I just ask one thing — let me say goodbye to him. To ask his forgiveness… and his family’s too.

The courtroom was silent. The judge lowered his eyes, then nodded.

— All right. But you’ll go under escort.

On the day of the funeral, even the sky seemed to mourn. Cold rain poured endlessly, and the wind chased black clouds over the cemetery.

Family, friends, and colleagues gathered. The mother of the deceased stood a little apart, wrapped in a black shawl. Her shoulders trembled, her lips whispered her son’s name.

Everyone around was crying. No one spoke — only the sound of raindrops on the coffin lid and quiet sobs filled the air.

Then, in the distance, police cars appeared. People turned their heads. From one of them stepped a man in an orange prison uniform, handcuffed, with his head bowed. Four officers escorted him.

A murmur rippled through the crowd:

— That’s him…
— He’s the reason it happened…

When the prisoner came closer, everyone moved aside to let him pass. He stopped at the coffin, on which lay the badge and cap of the deceased.

Slowly, the prisoner knelt before the coffin and whispered through tears:

— Forgive me, brother. Please forgive me… I never meant for this to happen. I think about you every day. If I could turn back time… I would take your place.

He lowered his head and wept. The rain ran down his face, mingling with his tears. The family watched him with hatred — some clenched their fists, others turned away. But no one spoke, not wanting to turn the funeral into a scene of rage.

Then, suddenly, the mother of the deceased took a step forward. She slowly approached the man and stopped beside him. Everyone froze, not knowing what she was about to do. And then, she did something that left everyone in shock 
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The mother looked for a long time at her son’s former partner — at his bowed head, his hands locked in cuffs… Then, without a word, she knelt beside him. Quietly, she embraced him and held him close.

The prisoner could hardly believe it was real. He lifted his head, looked at her, and broke into uncontrollable sobs.

— I forgive you, — she whispered. — And so does my son. I know it was an accident. He loved you like a brother, and he wouldn’t want you to suffer for the rest of your life.

He nodded, pressing his forehead against her shoulder. Around them, people couldn’t hold back their tears. Even the officers turned away to hide their emotions.

When they finally led him away, he kept looking back over his shoulder. The mother stood by the grave, watching him go.
And for the first time in many months, he felt he could finally breathe again.