Page 11

Nova

I park in front of the prison building as I have done every day for the past few months.

The past three months, to be exact. Ash took the blame for everything, and I walked free.

Craig backed his story, although I am not sure why.

I tried to talk to him, pressure him to give me any reason, but he didn’t say a word to me.

A month after everything that had happened, he took a flight to a clinic in Europe.

Some kind of specialist works there with experience to help with his condition.

The condition I caused. The condition Ash is in prison for.

I walk the familiar path to register for visitation.

The prison guard tells me the familiar set of rules like every other weekend.

A woman behind me holds a baby as she waits for her turn.

I smile at the sweet child before I place my things in the security basket.

“First time?” I ask the woman, but she doesn’t speak; she only nods.

“It’s not as bad as you think.” I smile, but she doesn’t respond this time either.

The sweet prison guard in front of me smiles in understanding.

It’s the same look of understanding he has every time I visit.

He continues with his check as a female guard pats me down before her coworker guides me to the visiting area.

Phones with glass in front of them, separating us from the inmates, lie in a row in front of me.

I pick the same one I have been sitting at every time I am here.

I see Ash on the other side as he approaches.

He smiles. A smile with a hint of sadness behind it.

We both pick up the phone at the same time.

“Hey, Pinkie. You came.” I force a smile, trying my best to keep my tears at bay.

“Hey, handsome. You sound surprised every time.” “I am still waiting to see when you are going to give up, Pinkie.” He sounds defeated.

“Never. I will always wait for you.” I promise.