Chapter 15: An Apple in the Sun**
Six months later.
The heavy steel gates of Blackwood Penitentiary rolled open with a deep mechanical groan. Kane stepped out into the crisp, free morning air. He was dressed in clean civilian clothes—a dark jacket, jeans, and work boots. In his hand, he carried a small canvas duffel bag containing his books and legal release certificate.
Across the street stood a small community youth center with a freshly painted wooden sign: *The Vance Center for Youth & Community Guidance.* Kane had signed on as its head counselor and workshop supervisor.
Kane walked down the concrete steps toward the road. The sun was bright, the wind felt clean and untamed, and for the first time in thirty years, there was no iron cage around his heart.
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a fresh, deep red apple.
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He didn't crush it. He didn't steal it. He held it gently in his scarred, tattooed hand, smiled at the open blue sky above, and took a sweet, peaceful bite of freedom.
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