“Oh, man! I’m really screwed now, aren’t I?”

The young kid nervously fumbled the few items that were to be the whole of his material possessions for the next five years… three if he kept away from trouble enough for it to be considered “good conduct”.

The warden smiled and cheerfully answered.

“Of course you’re not screwed, Roy! You just behave right and stay clear of bad company and you’ll be out of here before you know it.”

The kid looked up shyly.

“You really think so, sir?”

“Sure! You’re not a bad kid, you just made one stupid mistake, that’s all.”

A look of hope crossed the young face reflected on the warden’s mirrored glasses.

“Gee, thanks sir! I’ll do my best.”

“I know you will, Roy. Now get yourself to the showers and then go meet your counselor at the main building.”

The warden stopped at the inner gate and watched the young boy until he disappeared into the shower block.

“Kid won’t last a week. He’s SO screwed.” He thought as he made his way back to the entry gate.

They say there’s a sign at the entrance to hell that reads; “Abandon hope all ye who enter here”… that’s bullshit.

What would be the point of hell if the damned lost all hope of getting out someday?

“I just fucked up my whole life.”

“No, you haven’t fucked up your life, Jimmy. You just made one dumb mistake, that’s all.”

Behind his mirrored glasses, the warden smiled.