Chapter 3: The Warden’s Ultimatum
The following Monday, Maya was summoned to the administration wing. Warden Miller sat behind a mahogany desk stacked with manila folders. Her sharp eyes scanned Maya’s file before looking up.
""You caused quite a stir in the supply room, Maya,"" Miller said, resting her hands on the desk. ""Direct physical conflict with another inmate. Normally, that means thirty days in solitary and a mark on your parole record.""
Maya kept her chin up, though her pulse raced. ""I didn't start the fight, Warden. I was protecting something personal.""
""I saw the security footage,"" Warden Miller replied calmly. ""And I saw how you stepped in front of your fellow inmate before things escalated. You have zero prior disciplinary infractions. You’re smart, and up until now, you’ve kept your head down.""
Miller leaned forward. ""Our facility is launching a pilot program—a peer-led literacy and educational workshop for women trying to earn their equivalency diplomas. I need leaders who have the respect of the block. If you agree to tutor and manage the morning sessions, I’ll clear this incident from your file.""
May you like
Maya blinked, caught off guard. ""You want me to teach?""
""I want you to build something constructive out of that fire you showed,"" Miller said firmly. ""You have six months until your first parole hearing. Show me you’re ready for the outside world, and I’ll make sure the board sees it too.""
