Several of the women were sitting in a group, and one of them walked over to Beth to ask a question.
Inmate #4: Are you prejudiced against anyone you feel is less than you or a specific race of people?
Beth: Why are you asking me that and trying to start trouble? I haven't done anything to you or anyone else. I don't know any of these people, and I'm not minding anyone's business….so please, leave me alone.
Inmate #4: I asked you a legitimate question and you got offended! You must be guilty!
Inmate #5: Yeah! My grandma used to say a hit dog will holler, and an empty wagon will always rattle! She barks and rattles. Hahahahaha!
To steer clear of any more drama, Beth decided to sit at the table alone, feeling a bit like an outsider. As lunch was served, she inattentively picked at her food, her mind wandering off to who-knows-where. Just then, another inmate slid into the seat across from her, flashing a warm smile.
There was something genuinely nice about her vibe, but Beth couldn't help but catch a hint of sadness in her eyes. It made Beth wonder if this woman was new here too, wrestling with the same heavy feelings of confusion that sat like a stone in her chest.
That evening, after dinner, the inmates shuffled back to their cells, each wrapped up in their thoughts.
Beth crawled into her bunk―her heart heavy with everything that had transpired. Tears spilled down her cheeks as the weight of it all seeped in, then exhaustion took over, and she drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Beth was taken into a meeting room; her nerves buzzing like a live wire. Sitting in the room were her mom and Mr. Walker, the family attorney. They shared some warm hellos, but Beth could feel an undertone of tension in the room.
Mr. Walker took a deep breath, his face serious but somehow comforting, as he told her she'd soon be facing the judge. That's when it really hit her that her future was hanging in the balance, and the thought of how much time she might spend behind bars loomed over her like a dark cloud.
But there was a glimmer of hope; as a first-time offender, there were laws that might work in Beth's favor. It was a small comfort, but it felt like a lifeline was given to her. Alight in an otherwise daunting situation, and for the first time in a while, she felt a flicker of hope. With her parents by her side, perhaps there was a chance to navigate the storm after all.
After their conversation, Beth felt that familiar sting of tears welling up in her eyes again. But with a spark of optimism and relief that she will see the judge in two days. Beth could feel her stomach twisting in knots having to wait to know the fate of her actions. It was going to be a grueling couple of days, but she was determined to keep her head up and avoid any drama along the way.