The Day I was Released From Prison, I Got Married

The day I was released from prison, ten wedding cars arrived at the prison gate to pick me up. The first snow of winter came right on time, as if it were part of the dowry.

A handsome man stepped out of one of the cars, pulling out a large diamond ring. He knelt on one knee at my feet, “Welcome home, Nichole Brennan.”

I stretched out my dirty hand. A flash of disgust crossed his face, but he still kissed my hand and, with a forced smile, slid the diamond ring onto my finger.