Until that moment I didn't explore motives.

I had no immunity, no defense, was left stunned,

Unable to cope or even respond. Nothing 

Within me allowed me to fight, to right the wrong,

I simply took it. Then I left. I left shaking my head,

Not comprehending what happened, or why, 

Or that such a thing could happen. Found guilty

Without committing the crime. No, I had no

Recourse but to leave. I was, until then, trusting,

Utterly, and trusted, even loved. Betrayal

Was a concept I had no need to consider, so I hadn't.

Now, after so many years have passed, the

Evidence has come in, innocent, but what I have

Gained by my exile has proven to be incalculable,

No better outcome could be conceived. I have

Gold and gold, I am rich by any man's measure.