Saving Rain

by Kelsey Kingsley

She glanced around the room at the other inmates meeting with their loved ones. They behaved differently than we did. They spoke with affection and hope. They hugged until the guards told them to stop. Mom though … she looked at me like she wanted to run away. Maybe she really does think I’m a psychopath. Then, she asked, “How long do you have in here?” I shifted on the hard bench. “Right now, to have a visitor? Or do you mean, how long do I have left to be locked up?” She looked uncomfortable. “The, uh … the second one.” “I have another six years, max, as long as I don’t screw up.” And I had no intention of screwing up. Her lips pursed as she nodded, like she was considering what to say next, and then she replied, “People in town … they don’t want you getting out.” “Well, that’s too fucking bad,” I said, lowering my brows and scowling at her. “Yeah, well … that’s not for a long time anyway.” She sighed and seemed to relax, and a part of me wondered if she was one of those people who didn’t want me getting out of this place … and why. I cleared my throat and decided to change the subject because it was a long time and I didn’t like to think about that. “So, how’s—” “I guess I’ll get going,” she cut me off, beginning to stand. “What?” I asked, taken aback. “But you just freakin’ got here.” “Yeah, but I have stuff to do, and I’m sure you’re busy, so …” She hoisted her bag onto her shoulder—that same bag I had taken those last bottles of pills out of—and forced a smile. “I’ll...