pite these signs of struggle, there was something about my features that seemed carefully shaped, as if someone had crafted them wi

learning to be strong. I remembered my first week here like it was etched in my mind. At almost 1

y labeled me a

pay for my so-called crime with the loss of

body grew weaker, and the constant intimidation left me sick and malnourished. However much it hurt, I realized 1 was l

shb

lost your sight after the murder?" she sneered, her voice drippi

p her escape," another one chimed in, an

her," the one with the

ilent, paral

could muster a response, a sharp slap landed on my face, stinging like fire. I felt my

she was meant to terrify me, there was something strangely alluring about her-a beauty coupled wi

quickly how to navigate the treacherous haters of prison life. For some ine

he showed me basic self-defense moves and offer

r?" I once asked, cur

bittersweet smile curling on her lips.

hing resembling mentorship. she taught me to mask my emotions and helped me build

plored about five potential career paths for my future if maybe i get released before my said date. I had no idea when tha

ing the days af

. For five years, I have swallowed the bitterness of betrayal and worn silence like armor. The name "Zane" still stung like it w

ded, staring as the light flicker

approached, eyes fixed on me lik

ewa

wly, guarde

ou're being

ed from disuse. It see

rinted ahead of my logic. Released? Now? Why? "No." My laugh was dry, pained. "This is a mistak

racked glasses, and the necklace I never took off. My fingers trembled as

live. My eyes squinted at the daylight, real daylight

atching me carefully. He straightened as I approached, a folder tucked under

ur release documentation. You're

as barely above a whi

gave a tight-lipped smile.

h caught

e. "She fough

had stayed silent for five years? Before I could form another question

r his shoulder. "She said you'd find out... soon enough." And with that, he opened the