It was another sob story. No! "I've had enough " thought Hillary. she closed the book and smiled...thinking to herself how most sob stories pale in comparison to hers.

Why keep at this in this 6x8 brick walled space?

Her laugh was tired and unreal, a mirthless and cryptic loudness.

What would it smell like? the grass and air of the outside world? What does coffee taste like if it is made by freedom?

Hillary walked to the bars of her cell and stared at the giant clock on the wall. Who knew that you could wage war with time?

The clock was the first thing she saw when she was moved into her prison cell. Each hand mocked her, telling her how life took its time to pass her by.

A few cells away, someone broke into tears. Inmates yelled here and there. The crier must be a newbie, Hillary thought. The old inmates never cried. One thing you realize quickly when you are brought in here is that tears will wear you out quickly. A sniffle and sob every now and then, but nothing loud for other ears than yours.

It has been fourteen years, three months and 10 hours in this hell.

Carrie will be here tomorrow to take her home. Home. Where is home now? What does it look like out there?

is it like what is in the TVs? So many new things out there. How do you survive in a painted room?

Apprehension filled Hillary. What does life hold for her? Her past was not going to forgive her so easily, that was sure.

A female warden - Sophie - walked by.

" Hear you are leaving tomorrow "

"yes ma'am, you've been away. I would have mentioned"

"you take it easy out there"

Sophie had been a little nice to her since she - Sophie - joined as a senior warden. Sophie was known to be stern and could be unkind and harsh if necessary.

Under her watch and a few officers, a previously chaotic prison had become relatively tamed.

Hillary's thoughts went back to life after freedom a few hours away. Tears had formed and she suddenly tasted their salt.

"it has been so long", so long since she had cried.

********

Carrie cleaned and cleaned. Hillary was coming home. It was a miracle. Something she had long given up on. Hillary had been sentenced to 30 years. For killing her husband. She was 22 at the time while Carrie was 24. They had just become friends when the unfortunate incident happened.

When she visited Hillary a week ago, she had been shocked to learn that Hillary was to have a parole hearing. "OMG" Carrie wouldn't stop screaming.

" I have been recommended by the warders as been of exemplary conduct and fit for release"

Carrie had been ecstatic. "Have you told your parents?"

"I called mother"

"And..."

"Well, she said she was happy for me but I'm not sure I could feel her happiness. That's okay. I have never been their favorite child. They would rather have Marley back than me free."

"Don't say that Hills. I am so happy girl"

" Dont be too happy. it's only a parole hearing"

"I can feel it. You're coming home Hillary"