(no subject)

Vashti: *softly brushes the back of her fingers along his cheek* I am not going to hurt you, Darnell. I am not going to abuse or mistreat you, and when your time has passed I will see you supplied to safely travel home.

Darnell: *visibly catches himself from flinching back from her - he /really/ doesn't want to be touched right now, and any approach to his face, especially by someone he's unsure of when he's in such a state of mind, will /always/ get a reaction . . . finally does look away and down again* Why? Why did you bother with me today? Why not just leave me to it?

Vashti: Because I wronged you a couple weeks ago when I let you be taken from here. I knew you did not deserve punishment, and I still let him take you. I was wrong.

Darnell: .......... *soft snort and shakes his head, crossing his arms...fairly hugging himself* No, you didn't. I knew /exactly/ what I was in for as soon as I saw my knife in Rai's chest. I was foolish and /arrogant/ - *and terrified* - to think I could /buy/ my way out of it. The rest is just the way of things.

Vashti: Perhaps, but I would have allowed it had the officer not been there to enforce the law. You do not deserve punishment for Rai's death, Darnell, and if I could release you without consequence to both of us, I would.

Darnell: ................ *leans forward, face in his hands, elbows propped on his knees, just...he just wants this to all be over, he just wants to go home...he still has his /entire/ sentence ahead of him...*

Vashti: *touches his shoulder, a comforting gesture, before shifting back to lean on her desk* If you wish to send a message to anyone, I will see it done. 

Darnell: .........t-the...the officer did when I....um, that...that first night. I have a friend who knows what happened and should have already claimed my belongings.

Vashti: *nods* You can send messages as often as you wish while you are here. I am afraid it is all I can offer you while you are here.  Half a year will pass more quickly than you might be able to believe right now.