playdead

Chapter Thirty-Five

Simon's head bounced on the city bus' windows.

There was barely anyone left inside the bus. The bus was riding along 580 highway, going all the way to Fairway Rd. Once the bus stopped, Simon walked out and started walking through the dark streets.

He arrived at Nevada State Prison a few minutes after seeing the correct way. He entered through a visitor entrance.

Two blue doors slammed behind Simon and shut. Several guards and policemen were on the visitors side of the room, where you had to sit down and talk to the convict you wanted to talk to. The other side was the convict side.

A few people were there in the booths. Some women and men, visiting their friends or family that were incarcerated.

"Who are you visiting?" A booming voice asked, next to Simon. To the left was a huge and buff guard with a very bushy mustache.

"Uh...Jack Sanchez. I'm not sure about the prisoner number. He's my dad." Simon answered.

"You're supposed to come with a legal guardian, son. But just this once I'll let it slide. I understand if yer parents are workin' or some shit." The man said.

"Thank you, sir." Simon said.

"Only ten minutes today. We're gonna be closing soon. Pick any free booth." The guard said.

Simon stepped up to the booths and picked one on the far left. He sat on the stool and looked at the scratched and unclean hard plastic that separated him and his father.

Simon had sweat on his neck. His heart pounded. He tapped his foot out of anxiety.

A few minutes later, a door on the convict side opened. Two guards held each arm of Jack Sanchez. He had a frown on his face. There was strands of grey hair on his scalp. He wore a bright orange suit, and was handcuffed.

The guards uncuffed Jack and made him sit down in the stool in front of Simon.

Simon steadily grabbed the phone to his right. He put it up to his ear, and his father did the same.

"...Hi dad." Simon squeaked.

Jack didn't look at Simon. He looked at the booth.

"I, um...how are you?" Simon asked.

His father didn't answer.

"Uh...auntie said that—"

"Why did you come here?" Jack asked forcefully. His voice was deep and hollow, but somehow had rage.

"I...I needed to." Simon answered. Simon's stomach ached with a feeling he couldn't describe. Scared and anxious, and a bit sad.

"If we switched places Simon, I wouldn't need to come here. You don't have to, either. Tell your aunt, that I don't care if she wants to know how I am." Jack said.

"Dad..." Simon said slowly.

"Are you shaming me? Is that why you come here every month? Is that why? For me killing your mother, you're shaming me and telling me with those beady fucking eyes that you hate me. Just tell me now. Are you?" Jack's voice was getting louder.

Simon's eyes got wet. He wasn't like this. He was a quiet man before today. Jack answered questions like anyone did, and didn't lash out at Simon.

"I'm trying to...to just...see how you are. You're my dad, for gods sake..." Simon replied. A tear fell down Simon's cheek. Jack was beginning to cry too.

"Forget about me, Simon. Forget every word I've said to you." Jack said, slowly.

Simon's eyes widened.

"Why would I do that, dad? You..." Simon tried to say what he was thinking, but he couldn't. Nonsense invaded his mind.

"Please Simon." Jack pleaded.

They both stared at each other, attempting to make the tears stop.

Jack pointed at Simon's chest.

"Keep your mom there," Jack pointed at Simon's head. "And keep that clear. Got it?"

"Yeah...yeah dad." Simon said, wiping his eyes.

"Time's up everyone. Please say your final goodbyes." A guard said.

"I've always loved you, Simon." Jack said.

Simon nodded. He put the phone back on the wall.

Jack did the same. He was escorted out, along with a few other convicts. Simon got up and left the prison.

He walked slowly to a bus stop nearby. Simon's breathing was unsteady. Through a fit of rage, Simon punched the bus stop sign.

The bus came shortly after.

Simon rode all the way back home and arrived at 11:24 pm.

He questioned if he was shaming his father.