Visit

Tomorrow I will visit him for the first and last time.

I've never been to a jail before. I guess that's a good thing, right? I've already been given the rules.

Arrive at least a half hour before my scheduled visit.
Then there's a pat-down and search of my mouth.
I'll have to take off my shoes. Temporarily, so they can search them.
Wear pants, no skirts or dresses.
I give up my purse in exchange for an ID badge.
No jewelry.
The visit is limited to 30 minutes.
We are allowed a five-second hug at the beginning and end of the visit.
Hands on the table and visible at all times.

And in order to get the visit, I had to call the jail on a certain day between the hours of 11:30 and 1:00. My name had to be on the approved list of visitors, a list which is limited to eight people. I had to call in time to receive one of the limited visiting passes. The inmates had to behave, all of them, or else the privilege would be taken away.

How sad.

He already knows I'm coming to say goodbye. I don't know what else I'll say. The questions seem pointless now. I don't think he could answer them even if I ask.

Thirty minutes. I hope I can finish this thing in thirty short minutes.