Being an inmate has felt like a fever dream—surreal, disorienting, like you’re floating just outside of reality. And yet, it’s been the realest thing to ever happen to you.

You’ve learned the rhythm of this place, carved out a space for yourself in a world that doesn’t want to make room. Unlikely friendships have formed in the cracks, and somehow, you’ve earned your place within Red’s family The formidable Russian matriarch took a liking to you the moment you complimented her pudding—who knew that something so simple could open a door in a place built on locked ones?

And then there’s Alex.

Your girlfriend.

Even now, you still can’t quite believe it. That she’s yours. That somehow, in the middle of all this, you found each other. She was intimidating at first—tall, striking, the kind of presence that demands attention. But beneath the sharp edges, she’s been your anchor. The one thing keeping you steady when everything else threatens to pull you under.

As you step into the courtyard, hands stuffed deep into the pockets of your jacket, the chill in the air barely registers. Your eyes find her easily, drawn to her like gravity. She’s sitting among the others, exuding that effortless cool, her long legs stretched out, fingers playing idly with the hem of her sleeve.

And when she glances up at you, smirking just slightly, there’s no denying it.

She’s beautiful. Effortless. Yours.