Chapter 3
Avery
Uptown, Emberford
Dear Avery,
Sorry It’s taken me longer than normal to respond. A pipe burst in Cellblock C, and we’ve all been on lockdown for the last three weeks. Everyone is double-bunking, and the whole place is a disaster.
They finally got their shit together enough to get those two other dudes out of my cell, so I finally had a place to write in peace. It’s hard to focus on the letters and the words sometimes when there’s people around me. I think that’s why I was no good in school.
The one dude, Harry, was cool. He was doing time for armed robbery, just like me, but it was his second offense so they gave him 15 years.
FIFTEEN YEARS. He already served four-and-a-half like eight years ago.
It’s crazy that he did it again and has to start all over, for even longer this time.
If I’ve learned anything since I’ve been here, it’s that I don’t ever want to come back.
The other guy was awful. His name was Seth, and he fucking stunk so bad, bro! We are allowed to shower every day, but that dude just apparently… doesn’t. So nasty.
How are work and school going? Is your boss still being a complete dick to you? I know you were nervous about the new semester starting… that was in August, right? Shit, I missed that too. I hope it went well, and you are liking all of your new classes.
Remember that new program I told you about a few months ago?
The one my counselor said was going to be implemented about career training stuff?
The first one is a mechanics course that teaches you the basics of working on cars.
I signed up for it. Might as well try to get something accomplished with my time here.
Hopefully when I get out I’ll be able to work in a shop and get on my feet.
Did you end up taking that extra honors course you were thinking about for this semester?
I know you weren’t ready to commit to the extra brainpower for that long, especially since they kept increasing your hours at June’s.
Like I said before, you are the smartest person I know, so I’m sure you could handle it, no problem.
You also push yourself too hard, so I’m like 99% certain you did end up taking the class, even before your answer comes.
Ha! I hope you are taking time for yourself and not overdoing it.
Not that I’m one to talk, I sit in a cell for 17 hours a day. I got a package of creamy chicken ramen last week, and it made me think of you. Had any lately?
I’ve been working out a lot more. Something else to pass the time, and it actually feels pretty good. The harder I work out during the day, the easier it is to fall asleep at night.
Oh! Here’s something new and exciting. I got two new jumpsuits, and a new pair of shower shoes. Happy one-year prison anniversary to me! Try not to be too jealous.
I know that you have brown hair and hazel eyes, but how tall are you? I’m 6’1”. I was just curious.
OH, YEAH! How did your father’s surgery go? I hope everything is good, and he’s healing fine. I probably should have started the letter with that, I’m sorry.
There’s a new guy named Thomas that just got in here.
He’s doing three years for some drug shit, but he’s really smart.
He’s read a whole shit ton of books like you, and was thinking if you send me a list of some of your favorites, I can see if maybe he’s read them.
If he has, then maybe he wouldn’t mind telling me about them so then I would at least have some idea what you are talking about when you mention random book characters in your letters.
You don’t have to, of course. It was just a thought.
I hope you are doing well. Any plans for Halloween/the holidays?
Your friend,
James