Why she had given up her seat.
Why she had ignored the comments.
Maya knew exactly how quickly a stupid confrontation could become something much bigger.
The guards separated the women and took statements from everyone who had witnessed what happened.
Several inmates confirmed that Tasha had started the confrontation, taken Maya’s food, poured water over her, and repeatedly pushed her.
Later that afternoon, Maya returned to the yard.
The difference was immediate.
Nobody blocked her path.
Nobody laughed when she walked past.
Even the women who had previously stared at her like easy prey suddenly gave her space.
Tasha was sitting near the opposite fence with her two friends.
For a moment, Maya thought she would say something.
Instead, Tasha looked away.
Maya walked past without stopping.
The following morning, however, something unexpected happened.
Maya was sitting alone when Tasha approached again.
This time she stopped several feet away.
