Animals and Origami

Should repentant criminals have their sentences shortened? In this work of philosophical short story fiction, an elderly prisoner named George Shore, a convicted child molester and serial murderer, appears before a parole board seeking early release after decades in prison. George, who appears frail and harmless, makes a case for his release based on his age, his newfound hobbies of origami, and his belief in divine justice and forgiveness. The parole board, however, remains unconvinced, citing the horrific nature of his crimes and his lack of remorse. The story is told through the alternating perspectives of George and his prison guard, Gavin, who struggles with the internal conflict of sympathizing with the kind old man while also being disgusted by his monstrous past. The story explores the question of whether a person can ever truly atone for their sins and whether an individual's appearance can ever be trusted when their past is so monstrous.