Prison salvation: The cool concrete bricks felt good on his back, and Dennis dreamt of a happy time. The kiss of Audrey’s lips felt like hot strawberry fruit. Their day on the beach filled with skimpy bathing suits, volleyball, laughter, and wave hopping went on forever.

The sting came back with a throbbing muscle seizure. Cold wall bricks couldn’t hide the stab wounds. They’d plunged the pool sticks in his back until the prison alarm and announcement,

“All inmates return to your units!”

Dennis heard the gates to the rec yard slam shut. Guards attempted to shut in anyone involved in the attack. Had…