Suspect

SUS|20- Separation

•Suspect Chapter Twenty•
Separation
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It was...challenging I must say.
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When Nymir was charged, he was sent to prison the next hour to begin his twenty plus years behind bars. I couldn't get myself together after we left the courtroom, it took a couple days to even process such a thing. 22 years is a long time to be away from someone, a really long time. I have to admit that I was a little worried for our relationship and of course for the relationship between him and his kids. By the time he gets out, Mehki and Mariah will be or just about 20  something years old themselves. He would miss their whole childhood and all the milestones in the beginning. And...he knew it too...
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•One week later•
Sing Sing Correctional Facility
Ossining, NY

Sitting at the table with Mehki in my hands, I looked around at the other inmates with their families and waited for him to come out. A minute or two went by and finally the guards were ushering him in with a navy blue jumpsuit on and handcuffs. He smiled happily as soon as he saw us and I got up to meet his lips in a long awaited kiss. We were able to hug for just a few seconds and Nymir gave his son a kiss before we had to sit across from each other for the remainder of the visit.

"Hey"

"Hey,....how's it been so far?" I asked.

"It's okay, I'm thankful that they chose to send me here instead of fucking Rikers Island, that's for sure"

I sighed in relief. "I forgot all about that fucking place, Jesus.....I would've been sick if you were in there. You don't deserve that kind of environment. I know murder is looked upon very badly but....you did the right thing in my eyes. Of course I wish there was another way but...what's done is done. I'm worried about...our future now. 22 years...separated from each other with only little communication"

He nodded his head. "You know it hasn't even hit me yet that I'm a be in here for that long. I don't know why but...I just don't feel any different. I know 22 years is a long time...."

I watched him as he stared at Mehki who was sucking on his fist so innocently. You could see it all hitting him finally. Him being away and possibly about to miss his own kid's childhood.

He took a deep breath and started to look down. "I'm miss a lot in here.....he's going to be grown by the time I get out. My baby girl gonna be a woman already,....I'm a miss everything. Their birthdays, first days of school.....graduation, prom, boyfriends and girlfriends. I'm really going to miss a lot..." He said, looking to the side as his eyes became glossy.

I grabbed his hands on the table. "Don't cry in front of these people, I know it hurts but by all means....Mehki is going to know who you are. He's going to come with me every time I visit, every time. I know you wanted to raise them physically, any father would but you gotta do the best you can. You call us when you can, I'll have him call you on a regular when he gets older. I'll send you pictures of everything. I'll write to you, answer every call and visit often. I promise you that, on my grandmother's grave...que descanse en paz (may she rest in peace) We're going to get through this, together"

He nodded his head. "I realized that this is going to have an effect on everyone I care about. Not only my mom and my kids but...you too. I know you're going to get lonely out there and I won't be...upset if you decide to um......"

"Decide to do what?" I asked, adjusting Mehki in my arms.

"To..go out and have fun with other people again–"

"Babe–no..."

"I'm serious, Ember. I know women are much stronger than men are in that department but I'm allowing you to see other people while I'm away. Just don't fall in love and forget about me....and promise that we'll be together when I get out"