Beep! The shrill sound of the prison bell sliced through the stagnant air, a jarring signal of Emily's impending freedom. The heavy metal door creaked open, revealing a sliver of the world she hadn't seen in seven long years. Emily stood behind it, a statue of weary anticipation, waiting for the guards to usher her out.

She quickly shed the coarse orange jumpsuit, exchanging it for her own worn-out top, trousers, and torn sneakers. Her tangled hair, a wild, untamed bush, stubbornly refused to be tamed, even after a quick splash of water. A sigh escaped her lips as she finished her business, emerging from the restroom with an air of profound indifference. Her appearance held no sway over her; seven years behind bars had forged her into a bitter, unyielding soul.

"You are free to go, Emily," Vanessa, the only kind face in this unforgiving place, offered softly. Emily’s hoarse voice, unused for so long, rasped, "Thank you very much, Vanessa, I appreciate you." It was the first time she had spoken since the confirmation of her release. As the final clearance papers were signed, Emily was finally permitted to walk out of the prison gates.