"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

The question comes like a command

"Well?"

He shines the light in my face
He's waiting for my reply.

"Beginning my Masters' degree."

He smiles, satisfied. I feel as though I'm twisting my wrists in ropes.

"That's good."

He absently writes a note. Its a sham, an ironic script I've memorized.

"You can go now."

I'm left free to return to my cell. Walking the corridors I smile; not a one of them can see.

"I have no idea where I'll be. I hope I'm in some strange place, walking the streets with two book in hand. One to read, the other for me to write. And yes I'm crazy, and yes its a naive plan but its my plan all the same."

I imagine the shock on his face. The horror at the thought of his nameless pupil throwing her life away. I imagine he'd open his mouth to stop me.

"You won't convince me otherwise. Its my dream even if you can't see why."

Perhaps I'd smile. I'd shake his hand, thank him and leave. But for now, that life, is not yet for me. So here I go back to my cell.

My head held high, my smile in slight. My heart knows I'm young and my dream is still in sight.