Prison Counselor: Mr. Morgan. I hear you’re getting out soon.
Congratulations.
Gareth Morgan: Well, it’s bittersweet. That’s why I wanted to talk to
you today, one last time.
Prison Counselor: Oh? Go on.
Gareth Morgan: Since I’ve been locked up, everything has been
provided for me. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wish I could stay, but I would
be lying if I didn’t admit that I’ve grown accustomed to the routine and
monotony of my days.
Prison Counselor: Yes, that’s very hard. That’s why we have programs,
like halfway houses, which help those who have been released adjust to their
new lives. We want you to be as productive and positive as anyone else in
this country.
Gareth Morgan: Well, see, that’s not actually a problem. I don’t need
a halfway house. I’ve come into some money. I should have gotten it months
ago, but I was unqualified for the funds while I was in prison.
Prison Counselor: Where did this money come from?
Gareth Morgan: I won’t name names, but let’s just say a certain very
wealthy business magnate recently died, and it turns out, he’s my
father, and he left me a stipend.
Prison Counselor: A stipend, not an inheritance?
Gareth Morgan: No. My sisters—who not only did I never know about,
but didn’t even know about each other—have already divvied up his assets.
Only a little bit was set aside for my housing and food. According to his
lawyer, I don’t even get a set amount each time. I have to save and scan my
receipts every single month, and send them to an accountant. Then she will
only reimburse whatever I bought that fits the criteria. Everything else I
have to pay for myself. Which is fine, it’s just...
Prison Counselor: It’s really complicated.
Gareth Morgan: Yes.
Prison Counselor: Well, it seems to be the most complicated part is
that you have sisters you’ve just met.
Gareth Morgan: Oh, no. We’ve never met, and we never will. In fact, I
don’t think they so much as know I exist. The lawyer apparently wasn’t
required to disclose the entire list of inheritors? There are many more than
just the children, I guess. He left little bits of money here and there for
charities, and other people he admired throughout his life. I’m just a line
item.
Prison Counselor: Well, I’ve met you, and I can tell you that you’re
more than just a line item. Don’t let your past determine what you do in the
future, or try to predict how people will receive you. Your estranged
sisters have just as much right to know you as you have to know them. Don’t
take that away from them just because you’ve been kept secret, beyond your
control.
Gareth Morgan: Well, what if they try to erase me from the will
entirely? I might need that living stipend. I don’t have a lot of skills
that apply in the legitimate workforce.
Prison Counselor: You’re again underestimating yourself. I’ve seen
you grow in here, and I’ve heard what you’ve learned. You spend a lot of
time in the computer lab. Plus, you have that road construction experience.
But the truth is, yes, they may work against you legally. That’s a risk you
have to take. But what if it’s the other way around? What if they want to
include you? You’ll never know if you don’t try to talk to them.
Gareth Morgan: Quit making sense.
Prison Counselor: Haha. I have some other clients to get to, unless
there’s more you want to talk about.
Gareth Morgan: No, I’m all right. You’ve given me a lot to think
about. I really appreciate you coming down here. I know there isn’t a lot of
money in prison counseling.
Prison Counselor: I don’t regret my choices at all.
Gareth Morgan: It would be inappropriate for us to hug, so how about
I hug the air from over here, and you hug the air over there?
Prison Counselor: I can do that. Good luck, Gareth.
No comments :
Post a Comment