Things are looking up.
Enam(6) Cell 22, Death Row, Monday, 9:00 PM
Later that evening, Barbara was sitting on her pad, trying to come to grips with the terrible predicament she was in, when a soft knock came on her cell door. Taken aback at this strange occurrence, she took a moment to say, “Come in.”
Two small Chinese women entered. One seemed older and in charge; the other held a clipboard and pen and watched her superior closely. They both wore uniforms that were cleaned and pressed to an admirable level.
“Good evening, Miss Baba’a Moowu,’ said the elder, who had trouble with “r’s. My name is Goh Oyee Hue, I am the Client Sevices wepesentative for this wing. This is my assistant, Huat Enni Oph. We are here to give you the standard welcome to Changi Prison Complex and to attend to your needs.”
“I’ve been here for almost two weeks. How come you didn’t visit me before? Why haven’t you done your job?” It was remarkable how rapidly Barbara could revert to her whiny, complaining mood when given a chance.
“We are most sowy, Miss Moowu, but you he-a tempo-aily waiting twial. Now you official client.”
It seemed a thin point to make the distinction, but Barb allowed it. “So, what can you do for me?”
At that the younger matron spoke up with obviously better English, “As a death row inmate, you are given access to research tools to appeal your case. You will be supplied with a laptop with ultra-high-speed internet and a new cell phone, both free and with unlimited data usage. However, certain pornographic sites will be restricted. For the phone, Apple or Android? For the laptop, Mac, or Windows 10?
Even Barbara was floored by the generous offer. This was so much more than she could have dreamed of. “I use an iPhone, but Windows on my laptop.”
“Very good. They should both be here tomorrow. Is there anything else we can do to make your stay more comfortable? And please don’t ask for a bigger cell! We know this is ridiculously cramped in here, but all the larger Death Row cells are full. A much better one is scheduled to open Friday, execution day.”
Barb had difficulty taking it all in. Even a nicer cell in a few days. Then she caught the last words. Execution day! Another inmate’s would be killed to yield her a better cell! Whatever, she thought. Nothing she could do about it. Probably just another drug-dealing scum in this hell-hole country!
“Well, I could use a new blanket. That one’s awful worn,” she said gesturing to her pad and the cover, barely better than a threadbare towel. And the pad is very thin.”
“My lord, you’re right,” exclaimed the young woman, inspecting Barb’s bed. “These should have been replaced with new before you were assigned to the cell. We’ll replace the whole set with a new pad, much thicker, you’ll see, and a good blanket. Housekeeping will bring them here tonight – in about an hour. Anything else?”
“If I’m allowed to do research, is there a prison library?”
“Of course, a most extensive one with a large legal section.”
“Wonderful,” chirped Barb, her spirits rising. She thought, I can look up my case. I’ll do better than Jeffrey, despite his good looks. “And a private carrell for work and to store the books I need?”
“Naturally. I’ll arrange it and get the details to you when we bring your new electronics tomorrow.”
“We hope you shall enjoy stay with us, Miss Moowu.” said the senior and they turned to leave the cell.
“Oh! And I also have special dietary needs. Gluten-free, South-beach, etc. If I could meet with the chef, I could explain what I need for my diet and how to prepare it.”
“That can be arranged.”
“And I need two glasses of a good Riesling every evening to help my digestion.”
“Of course,” the senior said, "but not until tomorrow." Barb pouted for a moment, but got no reaction as they both left.
Now things are looking up, thought Barb to herself. One step at a time. I’ll find a way out of this hell-hole!