It was Valentine’s night. The roads were quiet and dark. Snowflakes drifted across the windshield as I drove to the jail. On the seat beside me sat the small red card and a heart-shaped chocolate I had bought for Ryan. 

My hands were sweaty on the wheel. I kept thinking about him sitting alone in his cell on a day that was supposed to be about us.

The lobby was almost empty. Only two other visitors waited. 

When I reached the security desk, Officer Kane was there. Alone. No other guards tonight.

He looked up the moment I walked in. His eyes met mine and stayed there. “Alex. Happy Valentine’s.”...