Chapter 217: Flashback – The Serpent in Violet's Skin
Author's POV (23 Years Ago)
Meredith stood before the massive prison gates, her fingers interlaced tightly in a grip of pure nerves as she waited for the visiting hours to begin. When the guard finally signaled her through, she walked through the cold, echoing corridors, the suffocating smell of bleach and despair filling her lungs. She took her seat behind the glass, waiting for Stewart.
Stewart emerged in a faded blue prison uniform, looking pale and utterly spent. He sat across from her, separated by the thick glass that robbed them of touch. Meredith lifted the receiver with a trembling hand. "Hello, my love..." she said, her voice strained as she fought to keep it steady. "How are you?"
"I'm okay," he replied, his voice cracked and hollow. "How are you?"
"I missed you," she whispered, swallowing the lump in her throat.
"I missed you too," he said, his eyes filled with a weary sadness.
