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W I T H
L O V E
M O O N

[wes] | mickie
🌒🌔

THREE YEARS LATER . . .

"Rise and shine, Cremer!"

The guard banged on the metal bars. Being still half asleep, I squinted at the shadow in front of me.

"What time is it?" I stretched my arms out.

"Time to get up!"

I rubbed my eyes. I glanced at the little light that came into the cell and barely saw light coming in. It must've been early in the morning.

I continued yawning and almost falling back to sleep.

"Come with us, Cremer."

Wait, hold up. They were only taking me. What was going on? Has the much-anticipated day finally come? 

"What the hell-" Rocco spoke with a croaky voice. He peeked from his bunk above. His hair was all over the place and he even had a bit of drool on the corner of his lip. 

Rocco stared back and forth between the guard and me. Then he realized what was going on. "Oh man. I'm gonna miss you, bro."

I smiled. "Me too."

Rocco hopped off his bunk and wrapped his arms around me. I couldn't help but do the same. He was the only true friend I made in this place. I was truly going to miss him.

"See you on the outside, Wes." Rocco whispered in my ear.

We were still embraced in the brotherly hug. "Soon?"

"Let's hope so." He patted my back and pulled away. 

I finally stood up and followed the guard. I waved one last time to Rocco, my cellmate.

The guard escorted me from the cell to a small room.

"Here are clothes." He threw pants and a shirt.

As soon as they landed in my arms I recognized the wardrobe that came from my closet. The aroma of lemony fresh fabric traveled to my nostrils.

"There's the bathroom." He pointed to a door past me. Then the guard left the room pulling the door behind him.

I was alone with the clothing bundled in my arms.

There was wide transparent glass on the wall in front of me. I noticed the guards walking across the room glancing every once in a while into the room.

Quickly, I changed out of the awful orange jumpsuit. I felt at ease being in my jeans and hoodie. I bundled the jumpsuit in my hands and walked out of the bathroom.

I looked up and the guard was waiting in the room.

"Here." He threw other clothes. I immediately identified them. Just at the sight gave me chills.

Then the guard spoke again, "You got lots of paperwork to fill out and you gotta check out at the front, Fresh Face."

I hated the fact that "Fresh Face" was still my nickname around here, but that didn't matter anymore because I was going to be a free man. I was more than excited to finally leave this horrific place to be with my family.

I couldn't believe this was my last day in prison.

In part, I was going to miss the people I met that helped me through the hell hole; however, I was super glad to go.

I had even forgotten how the sun beaming on your skin felt like, the rays of the scorching sun penetrating, warming my skin, the beautiful aroma of newly mowed grass inhaled or the pattering noise of falling raindrops on the pavements.

Another guard gripped onto my arm and walked me to a big gate located on the lot. I was holding a small bag containing my belongings that were given to me by the officers.

Suddenly, the huge gate slowly opened.

"You're free to go, Cremer." The tight grip disappeared and instead, I felt a push towards the sidewalk. The gate closed behind me and I was left standing on the outside.

I was free. Finally free.

The sun was shining with all its ability. I glanced at a rainbow close-by, the colorful hues mesmerizing me.  Puddles of water were formed in the cracks and dips in the concrete; humidity arrived. The heat was in a yucky way, but it didn't bother me. I was happy to be witnessing the world once again.

It all seemed new to me as if I had never observed the constant passing of cars or the people speed walking their way through traffic lights. Everything was so captivating.

I never realized, until now, that so many people, including me, take their life for granted. It was something that can be lost in a matter of seconds but is not easily given back. I was really lucky I was given another chance at life.

I closed my eyes to take in what was happening. Noises of all sorts filled my ears. Cars running their engines...bikes ringing their bells. ..puddles being stepped on....pedestrians cussing out careless drivers...the skidding of wheels and constant honking. It was pleasing to hear this instead of the cries and hollers of inmates.

The smell of recently wet grass traveled its way up to my nose. The smell was delightful.

Honk. Honk!

I jumped and opened my eyes in shock.

Before I knew it, a petite figure came running towards me. Her arms pulled me into a tight hug. I dropped my bag and embraced her in my arms.

I nuzzled my face into her neck, breathing deeply. I felt her warm hug. "Mama." I whispered. Her soft cry had tears streaming down my face.

Suddenly more arms wrapped around us. I looked up and Dad had his arm around my shoulder. Dad's eyes were patchy red and dark circles surrounded them. My sisters, River and Sarahi, were sniffling and embracing as tight as they could.

This was what I was waiting for. This was what freedom felt like. I was finally home.

• • • • • •

sorry sorry sorry *sobs* i'm very sorry for not posting in a long time. it's been a while...since february, i just checked *hehe* but i'm back now so imma try to post more frequently now, maybe every week or so. i really hope you guys enjoy this chapter cause i didn't really have much imagination to write this one.

by the way, did anyone watch the last episode of skam!? *sobbbing* oh my gosh!! It's over and I don't know what imma do now. I loved noorhelm and now there's no more!! they were so cute, especially William *wink wink* who's with me? but who was your favorite character on the show?

[GRAPHIC CREDITS]: @roadtrips : cover