FRIENDS
Pauline and David Morgan sat nervously
looking out the nearby window of the dismal prison
visiting room. David glanced across the room at a
guard who was replacing a chrome chair at the
cafeteria style table. He dutifully pushed the chair
into place and quickly swept some crumbs from the
table onto the floor. As he patted the crumbs from
his hands, he noticed David, smiled and barely
nodded at him. David thought to himself what a
lousy job being a correction officer must be. He
thanked God many times over for the opportunities
he had been offered in life. Focused on the officer
and his own thoughts, David was startled when
Pauline grabbed his arm.
“There he is!” she said as she wiped a tear
from her eye. Pauline looked old for her 45 years
and the tears made her face look even harsher.
David watched with sad eyes as the young
man dressed in blue with a number stenciled on his
shirt entered the shakedown area, out of sight. He
had been teased many times by his friends that he
had a Ward Cleaver look. David never minded,
though, because he felt there were a lot less
desirable things and people to be compared to. But
of course, it wasn’t likely that Ward Cleaver would
be at a prison visiting Wally or the Beav.
Five minutes later, Tim Morgan entered the
visiting room, still arranging his clothing. Pauline
ran to her son and hugged him. “Oh, Tim, I’ve
missed you!”
“I’ve missed you too, Ma!” Tim answered in
an almost childlike voice that matched his younger
than his years appearance. He was tall and thin, yet
muscular, but he had a baby face. In fact, shaving
was something he only did about once a week to
clear away the wispy peach fuzz that grew on his
chin and cheeks.
Pauline returned to her seat. Tim stopped in
front of his father, his vivid blue eyes searching his
father’s face for reaction. “Dad.”
David’s face appeared tight with anguish,
but his eyes reflected love as he stood and hugged
his son. “How are you, boy?”
“I’m fine, Dad. I’m fine.”
The two men sat down at the table and there
was an awkward silence.
“Your Aunt Sue said to tell you hi,” Pauline
said gingerly, trying to break the silence.
