Chapter 115

Thoughts began to swarm my mind about those who had occupied this cell—or any of these cells—before me. Were they all criminals or monsters? Did they deserve this treatment, much like my father? Or were they innocent individuals brushed with the same fear of the unknown as I was? My gaze shifted to the rusted sink adjacent to the toilet, where I noticed a new comb, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet paper. Then, onto the cot—one I knew I wouldn't be sleeping on.

Occasionally, I could hear the thud of footsteps reverberating from the other side of the gates at the end of the cellblock. These footsteps echoed in the walkway as guards conducted their checks on the inmates. The jingling of keys reverberated down the long corridor, playing a nauseating melody in my ears.

The air was thick with the stench of sweat, mold, and raw sewage, reminiscent of smoke from a thousand cigarettes. My eyes watered with a desperate longing for freedom. It felt as though the walls were clo