“Listen, Mom, he has a chance to get paroled, but only if he has a place to stay.” Tim glanced over at McWilliams who was standing behind the benches watching him. Tim waved at his friend and then gave him a thumbs up. “Thanks, Mom! Tell Dad thanks too! You know, God will bless you for this...I love you.” Tim hung up the phone and walked over to his friend. So, they’re gonna do it? They’ll let me stay if I get paid?” asked McWilliams. “Yep...they said you can stay till you’re off parole if you need to.” “Damn, that’s just too cool!” McWilliams said with enthusiasm. “You’re a lucky guy to have such great parents!” “Well, all you gotta do now is convince the Parole Board to let you go!” McWilliams shook his head and then put his arm around Tim’s shoulder. “Thanks, man, you’re a real friend.”.... Tim took a big bite of the submarine sandwich, getting mustard all over his face. Pauline chuckled out loud at her son. Tim blushed and quickly wiped his mouth with the thin napkin. He followed the bite of sandwich with a long drink of soda to wash it down. “So, how’s McWilliams doing?” Tim asked. “Oh, Scott is doing fine. In fact, he has been a tremendous help. He’s with your dad right now, helping him get lumber for that addition we’re building. We’re really glad we took him in.” “Well, good, I’m glad to hear it’s working out.” Tim said, trying to hide any evidence of jealousy. Tim took another bite of his sandwich as his mother studied his face. Tim shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. He knew that look. She was about to get mushy and shit he hated when she did that. He never knew what to say in response. “You know, we really do love you and even though you got in trouble...we are still proud to call you are son. You have a good heart.” Tim nodded slightly as he took another drink from his can of soda. The night air was cool on his face as he exited the gym. Tim reached out and slapped the behind of another inmate as he passed. “Great game, Jimbo!” The muscular man grinned widely at Tim. “Thanks, man...you did good too. What’s up with you tonight?” Tim cocked his head and then shrugged his shoulders. “Not much. I think I’ll just get a shower and then kick back and watch some TV.” Jimbo nodded in agreement. “Sounds like a plan to me.” The two entered the cellblock and went separate ways. Tim approached his bed area and opened his locker box. Grabbing a pair of underwear and a towel, he slipped his shower bag over his shoulder and headed for the shower. He closed his eyes as the hot, steamy water beat down on his back, soothing his aching muscles. He thought of home and his family. Damn, he missed being home. He missed his mom and dad and he wondered what McWilliams was doing. Was he sleeping in his room? Was he using his stereo? Oh, man, was he driving his car? Tim shuddered, turned off the water and wrapped his towel around him. Wearing a new sweatsuit his mom sent him, Tim got a seat on the bench in front of the TV along with several other inmates. The news show was just beginning.... Good evening and welcome to the six o’clock edition of the Channel Ten news. Today’s top story is a sad one. About two hours ago, police were called to 128 Chestnut Street on the south side of our city after reports of gunfire. Our mobile news team has told us that what they found was gruesome. It is reported that there may be two victims inside the house. Tim sat up straight with a panicked look on his face. “Hey...that’s my house...man....that’s my house!” Tim jumped up from the bench. Two of the inmates on the bench instinctively jumped up and grabbed his arms. “Chill out, man, what’s wrong with you?” asked one of the inmates. “That’s my house!” Another inmate jumped up and turned up the volume on the TV. The identity of the two victims is not yet known, but we will keep you advised as information comes in. Two correction officers came running into the area and over to Tim who was still being restrained by two inmates. The officers quickly cuffed Tim and escorted him out of the area. Tim sobbed uncontrollably. “That’s my family! Oh, God, that’s my family!” His thoughts raced and he was wild-eyed as he left the cellblock with a hundred inmates watching.