Bobby waited patiently for his chance to see Jude again. He had kept his distance after his unexpected outburst, allowing him the space he needed to cool down. But despite the other inmates' apprehension, Bobby wanted to understand him better.
When the time finally came, he entered Jude's cell, his steps measured and cautious.
"Jude," he said, his voice gentle yet firm, "I'm sorry about what happened the other day. I didn't mean to upset you, but I believe that you shouldn't have to pay for whatever happened."
Jude sat on the edge of his bed, his back turned to him, unresponsive to the words of apology that hung heavy in the air.
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing, "Jude, I've been thinking a lot about what you said. And I want you to know that I'm here to listen. I'm not here to judge you. In fact, maybe you'll find some comfort in knowing that we're not so different."
He drew in a breath, his eyes trained on Jude's still back. "I lost my temper once," he began, his voice low and even, "with my boss. He was always snagging me, degrading me. One day, I just snapped. I stabbed him with a pen. He survived, but I'm still here, paying the price."
He shifted his weight, giving Jude a moment to process his words. "It's not easy. Being judged for something you've done. Being separated from your family, from your life. But I don't think you're a killer, Jude. I think you're a man who...who's been through hell and back. I think you're a man who's in pain," he finished, his voice heavy with emotion. "And I'm here to tell you that it's okay to be in pain. It's okay to feel angry, confused, or betrayed. It's okay to be human, Jude. But I hope that you don't let that pain consume you. I hope that you'll find the strength to go on, for yourself, for your family."
His words seemed to reverberate in the stillness of the cell, resonating with Jude in ways that he didn't expect. Finally, he turned, his face etched with deep lines of weariness and sorrow. "I appreciate you sharing that with me, Bobby. And I'm sorry to hear about your boss. But, I just… I don't know if I can do it. I don't know if I can go on."
As he listened, his heart ached for him, who was clearly a man lost in the depths of his own confusion and despair.
"Jude, I know you're going through a lot right now. And I know you're scared, confused. But I believe that there's still hope. There's still light at the end of the tunnel." paused, meeting Jude's gaze with his own. "I may not know what happened that night, but I know that you loved your wife. I know that you're not a monster.
''I may not have all the answers," he continued, his voice growing softer yet more insistent, "but I do know that, in your heart, you're a good man. And I know that you can't give up. Not for your daughter's sake, but for your own. You deserve to fight, to find the truth."
Jude's expression was unreadable, his eyes darting from Bobby's face to the floor. Finally, he let out a deep sigh. "I don't know if I can remember, Bobby.''
''I don't expect you to remember right away," he replied, placing a hand on Jude's shoulder. "Healing takes time. And sometimes, the answers don't come quickly or easily. But you're not alone. I'm here for you, and I'll do whatever I can to help you find the truth."
He closed his eyes, the years of regret and anguish weighing on his soul. "I just want to see my daughter again," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Bobby nodded to himself, deciding to take a different approach. "You know, Jude, I've been thinking," he said, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "We've been here a while, and we haven't really talked much about our lives before this. What was it like, back when you were a free man? Did you have hobbies? Favorite foods? A story you're itching to tell?" His voice was casual, his eyes trained on Jude's face, hoping to catch even the slightest glimpse of recognition or recollection.
He blinked a few times, as if the question had snapped him out of a trance.
"Well, I suppose I did have hobbies," he replied, his voice a little steadier. "I used to read a lot. History books, mostly. Always had a fascination for the past, you know? I guess it's just something about the way it shapes the present."
A slight smile touched the corners of his mouth as memories stirred in his mind. "And food? Hmm, I'd have to say my favorite was a good old-fashioned steak.''
As his smile widened, so did the hope in Bobby's heart. "Steak, huh?" he said, letting out a chuckle. "A man after my own heart, I see! There's nothing quite like a well-done steak with some potatoes on the side. Oh, and a little bit of barbecue sauce for that extra kick, am I right?"
His laugh joined Bobby's, a warm sound that seemed to fill the bleak cell with light. "You certainly know your steaks, don't you?''
Even as he laughed along with Bobby, a small seed of doubt had been planted in his mind. Was steak really his favorite food? Or was he just saying that because it was the first thing that came to his mind? The answer felt just out of reach, like a familiar memory teasing at the edges of his consciousness.
"So, a history buff, are you?" Bobby asked, sensing the slight shift in Jude's mood. "Tell me, what's your favorite period of history? The Renaissance, the Victorian era, maybe even the Wild West?"
There was no response.
"Jude?" Bobby asked, his voice laced with concern. "Are you alright?"