Sunday Justice marks a turning point in Kya’s life, as Chapter 38 of the book set in 1970 reveals her first steps into the courtroom of Barkley Cove for her murder trial. Kya, long isolated from the community and now thrust into its unforgiving gaze, steps into the crowded courtroom in stark contrast to the seclusion she has known in the marshes. Dressed in black slacks and a white blouse, with her wrists bound by handcuffs, Kya’s vulnerability is on full display as she faces the judgment of the public and the legal system. Her life, which has been largely defined by nature and solitude, now collides with the societal expectations of a town that sees her both as an outsider and a suspect, setting the stage for a trial that will question not only her innocence but also the biases of the community.

Tom Milton, a retired attorney at seventy-one, steps into the role of Kya’s defender, having come out of retirement to take on her case without charge. His concern for Kya is not only professional but deeply personal, as their relationship, which began in silence, has evolved into one of trust and mutual understanding. As the trial begins, Tom’s decades of experience in the courtroom are tested, as he faces the formidable task of defending Kya in a town filled with prejudices and preconceived notions. His attempts to calm Kya, using the familiarity of courtroom sketches and soft reassurances, stand in stark contrast to the electric atmosphere of the courtroom. The town is ready for a spectacle, and Kya’s presence only fuels the anticipation, as their defense is faced with the overwhelming tide of societal judgment and suspicion. The weight of his responsibility grows as he navigates the complexities of Kya’s situation, trying to protect her while preparing for the legal battle ahead.

The historical context of Barkley Cove, rich with tradition and societal undercurrents, provides a backdrop that mirrors Kya’s complex relationship with the town. From the courthouse’s storied past, including the rebuilding after a lightning strike, to the subtle segregation that still defines the social landscape, the setting underscores the deep-seated biases that Kya faces. The courthouse, with its intricate architecture and the quiet presence of the cat named Sunday Justice, embodies the sense of tradition and judgment that permeates the entire trial. The cat, though seemingly insignificant, symbolizes the intersection of nature and human society, just as Kya’s life has always been rooted in nature yet is now entangled with human expectations and biases. The symbolism of Sunday Justice is not lost on Kya, who finds herself in a place that is both familiar and alien, where the very system designed to offer justice may be swayed by preconceived notions about her and her life.

Judge Sims’ decision to keep the trial in Barkley Cove, despite Kya’s request for relocation, highlights the uphill battle that both Kya and Tom Milton face in seeking a fair trial. The town’s prejudices run deep, and the legal process, rather than providing an unbiased platform, becomes another stage where Kya’s character will be judged before any evidence is even considered. This chapter lays bare the tension between the desire for a fair trial and the reality of a community whose views are clouded by its biases. Through the careful development of characters, setting, and emotional depth, the narrative builds a landscape that Kya must navigate—one where her fight for justice is not just about proving her innocence but also about challenging the narrow views of those who see her as nothing more than the “Marsh Girl.” The chapter masterfully sets the stage for a legal battle that will test not only Kya’s ability to prove her innocence but also her strength in the face of a society eager to judge her based on nothing more than prejudice and fear.