Caged Page #2

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and the awful things they said

and those matrons,

always watching, never leaving you alone.

You'll find all kinds of women in here,

just as you would outside,

but every large institution

must have rules,

and the matrons are here to see

that the rules are obeyed.

You weren't sent here to be punished.

Just being here is the punishment.

That's all.

You know, first offenders like you, Marie,

are our greatest concern.

Unfortunately, they have to be crowded in

with more experienced women

simply because we haven't more space,

and you'll be with such women.

Of course, I want you to have friends.

All of us need an outlet for affection,

but no prison is a normal place.

How soon can I go home?

If your record is good,

you can come up for parole in 10 months.

But I'm going to have a baby.

Do I have to have it in here?

I know how you feel, Marie,

but the inmates aren't allowed to go home

to have their babies.

Don't worry.

Any blood relative can take care

of your child until you get out.

Then my mother will take care of it.

But they wouldn't let me write her.

Can I write her now?

Of course, now that we're sure

that your relatives actually exist.

That's because some of the inmates

change their criminal contacts

into kindhearted uncles and cousins

and sometimes even sick grandmothers.

I know how strange all this is to you,

but you were sent here

because you were involved

in a serious crime.

We want to help you

so that when you go home,

you can start a new life.

I want to do the right thing.

You're an intelligent girl.

You know good from bad.

Try to keep busy. It's important.

Now, as to your work,

I'll bet you helped your mother

with your father's shirts, didn't you?

Yes.

Well, we'll put you in the laundry

as a checker.

It will be easier for you

because of the baby.

You can see me anytime.

Hi, Ann.

Hello, Harper.

Since you went fancy working upstairs

for Benton, I kind of missed you.

This is Marie Allen.

Mrs. Benton says to put her in laundry.

Marie's gonna have a baby.

A baby, huh?

Why, you're just a kid yourself.

- So long, Marie.

- Goodbye, Ann. Thank you.

Let's you and me get acquainted, honey.

You may be a number to the others

but not to me.

Sit down in this chair. It's kind of roomy.

You like the stuff in here, huh?

Just little presents from my girls

for taking good care of them.

- Caramel?

- No, thank you.

Cigarette?

You know, you're gonna find out

that a lot of things are tough to get

in here.

This is just a little personal service

of my own.

On the side, sort of. Understand?

I like to do a good turn for my girls.

Why, sometimes, on my night off,

I drop in on their relatives.

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