[ WP ] You are in the audience at a convicted murderer 's execution , when he/she is asked for any last words , he/she scans the crowd finishing with you and looking into your eyes simply says , `` I forgive you . ''

There was no doubt she was guilty. 
 
 Seven different eyewitnesses, DNA on the murder weapon, various traffic cameras tracking her car to the scenes, the bodies uncovered in the lagoon near her estate... no doubt whatsoever. There was n't going to be some dramatic reveal, some last minute testimony blowing the lid off of some kind of grand conspiracy. 
 
 So why was I hoping there would be? 
 
 I watched from the front row as two men began strapping her onto the device. Arms, legs, wrists, ankles, neck. It was imperative that she not move during the procedure. A cone-like apparatus hung above her head. 
 
 The men checked the restraints one last time then gave a brief nod to the formally dressed man standing before the podium. He cleared his throat before he began. 
 
 `` We have before us today, a new means of execution. Something novel, painless, and humane compared to the barbaric methods of the past. Still, it is with the same solemn heart that I enforce the power invested to me by state, by law, and by god.'' he turned towards the woman strapped to the chair. `` Before we begin, you are afforded this last chance to say your last words or silently pray to the god of your choosing.'' 
 
 She raised her head. A calmness radiated out from her as she scanned the crowd. People glared back in open defiance as she slowly looked from face to face, until finally, her eyes settled on me. 
 
 `` I forgive you.'' she said. 
 
 I flinched, curling up in my seat. 
 
 The man at the podium cleared his throat. `` Then, you are hereby executed. May god have mercy on your soul.'' 
 
 He pressed a button on the podium, and at once began the whirl and buzz of electronic activity. It built up for two minutes, before a thin line of light burst from the tip of the machine and lit up the woman's body. There was a brief flash, then all that was left was a wispy tendril of smoke. 
 
 The man before the podium began to clap, and so began a round of half-hearted applause. I found my eyes tracking the line of smoke as it twirled its way up towards the ceiling. It had worked perfectly. 
 
 A rough hand clapped onto my shoulders. I looked back down to see the well dressed man smiling at me. 
 
 `` Well done, good sir! A total success, I must say. Quick, easy and, what was it, twenty times more efficient than the chair?'' 
 
 `` Twenty three.'' I said. 
 
 `` Remarkable. Any more ideas like that and you give me a call straight away, yes?'' I just nodded. `` Good show, good show.'' he gave me one last clap on the shoulder and walked away. 
 
 I looked back up to look for the wisp of smoke, but it was already gone.
