A Solitary Flame
An inmate in an orange uniform pressed his palms together over a single lit candle sticking out of a cafeteria hamburger bun.
He bowed his head, closed his eyes, and whispered quietly to himself while the rest of the dining hall bustled around him.
Reaching into his shirt pocket, he unfolded a small, creased photograph.
His thumb traced the worn edges of the print, which showed a woman and a smiling little girl sitting side by side.
He set the picture upright against his paper cup so he could look into their eyes across the stainless steel tabletop.
The Sudden Disruption
A tall corrections officer marched up from behind the table, his eyes locked onto the makeshift birthday meal.
Before the seated man could react, the guard swept his arm forward, knocking the metal tray and the food straight onto the concrete floor.
The inmate threw his hands out wide, staring at the empty table surface and the scattered debris below.
He pressed his palms against his temples, shaking his head as his shoulders slumped forward.
Resting his forehead directly against the cold metal tabletop, he hid his face in his arms.
An Unexpected Entrance
Footsteps echoed across the linoleum as the same guard returned, carrying a round white frosted cake topped with a glowing candle.
The officer set the cake down gently in front of the inmate, a wide grin spreading across his face.
The inmate lifted his head, blinking at the bright flame and the decorated dessert sitting inches away.
His jaw dropped open and he pointed a finger at the guard, who gave him an approving nod.
The officer gestured toward the main double doors at the end of the hall.
A Living Reunion
The inmate pushed himself up from the bench so fast his metal stool scraped loudly against the floor.
A woman holding a small girl stepped through the entryway and hurried directly toward his table.
The man scooped his daughter into his arms, lifting her high against his chest while wrapping his other arm around his wife’s shoulders.
The other men at the surrounding tables stood up from their seats, clapping their hands together as the family buried their faces into each other’s shoulders under the fluorescent lights.
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