**Behind Bars and Broken Lives**

Samantha's gaze lingered on Ashley's face, a mix of curiosity and concern etched on her features. "So, what are you in for?" she asked, her voice low and gentle. Ashley hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Samantha's kind eyes put her at ease. "Shoplifting," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm 19. I have a son, and... my mom just died." Samantha's expression softened, and she nodded sympathetically. "I'm 38," she said, her voice laced with a hint of sadness. "I'm... a killer. Bad times, I guess." She paused, studying Ashley's reaction. Ashley's eyes widened, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. She had suspected that Samantha might be a violent offender, but hearing it confirmed was a different story altogether. She tried to process her emotions, but her mind was a jumble of fear and anxiety. Samantha seemed to sense Ashley's unease and nodded. "I have two kids," she continued, her voice cracking. "They're grown now, but... I made some bad choices, and now I'm paying the price." Ashley didn't know what to say. She felt a pang of sadness for Samantha, but also a healthy dose of fear. What had Samantha done? Was she a danger to Ashley? The questions swirled in her mind, but she didn't dare ask. Samantha seemed to sense Ashley's discomfort and changed the subject. "So, tell me more about your son," she said, her eyes sparkling with interest. "How old is he?" Ashley's face lit up, and she smiled, grateful for the distraction. "He's 3," she said, her voice filled with pride. "His name is Ender. He's... he's my everything." Samantha nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. "I'm sure he's adorable," she said. "It's hard to believe you're only 19 and already dealing with all this." Ashley shrugged, feeling a lump form in her throat. "Life's been tough lately," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Samantha nodded, her expression somber. "I know the feeling," she said. "But we'll get through this, okay? We'll make it through our time here, and then... who knows? Maybe we'll start fresh." Ashley hoped Samantha was right. She didn't know what the future held, but with Samantha by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope in the darkness.