Morning Light

A short story about a woman going through a tough time.

I have always wondered what it felt like. The feeling of being free and able to do whatever my heart most desires. I gave up on the dream of being something that mattered in the world or looked upon with greatness. I can’t even begin to imagine what my future self will do in a year. When the guards came to my cell earlier than usual I didn’t know what to think. For a second I believed I had done something wrong, but then we walked into the warden’s office. “Morning Kate,” said Elise, the warden. "Good morning, Sir," I replied. "I received a phone call this morning about you. Your case has been under investigation recently, and the detectives found evidence that proves your innocence." I found myself not breathing for so long I almost fainted. Elise went on, "I know this comes as a surprise, but you can pack your things and leave. I think you have spent enough time here, and frankly I hate seeing an innocent person do time." I cannot believe how relieved, yet how terrified I felt. "Thank you, Sir. I appreciate it."
Being in prison for almost a decade can really change a person. As I walked away I felt the best feeling in the world...freedom. Nothing in the world feels better than being set free after being caged for almost ten years. The guard took me to my cell and I packed my belongings; not that I owned anything of much value, only various items such as a few law books from my college days, couple mystery novels, a toothbrush I somehow picked up over the years, and the clothes I wore when the cops arrested me. Then the guard and I walked down the long hallways to the prison exit. A few other jailmates watched me with curious and longing eyes. I despised being watched like a hawk and told what to do all day long. I didn't know where I would go, but I knew that it would be better than living in a prison after being charged with first degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life.
I had been in college for two years practicing to be a lawyer at Harvard when it all occurred. I went there on a scholarship and some aid due to my arduous personality. The detectives had come to my apartment two days after the murder. I had no idea what to do or say. I needed to prove my innocence. I couldn't afford a prestigious lawyer only using me and my mom's bank accounts. They accused me of killing a law firm president, Mr. Shocast. I knew him from the firm after asking for permission to help as an intern, but he always refused. The cops showed me the pictures of the crime scene and asked for my alibi. I didn't have one since I was studying alone at home for a big case in class. Then they told me they had found a gun that matched their ballistics in the dumpster outside my building. It had my fingerprints on it. I couldn't comprehend any reasoning as to why somebody would set me up. I thought it would be my scariest experience, but then I ended up being proved guilty and went to jail. I kept wishing the women there would succeed in hurting me and put me out of my misery.
Now, nine years later and out in the open, traveling on a bus, on my way to God knows where, I think about my future. I'll have to look for a job or maybe even go back to college, visit my mother and get my life back on track. My choices will make my future. I feel like a bird who just learned how to spread her wings and fly away from the secluded nest. I am free now, and nothing can stop me.