"Well Jason, it's been a long five years, but it's finally over."

I could barely describe the feeling within me at that moment. It's like a feverish nightmare had finally worn off. The loneliness, the distant phone calls, the stale food, I will say goodbye to all of it the next time I wake up.

It's a miracle how I even fell asleep, because now my heart is beating out of my chest, and I'm walking past the gloomy cell blocks thinking I won't ever have to see them again. I know that as soon as all this paperwork is done with, I'll have my old clothes back, Mia will be waiting for me by the front gate, and I can hug my mom and dad again. I remember when I was a little kid, I used to be so excited for field trips that I would stay up all night – man, that doesn't even compare to how jittery I am now.

The correctional officer at Procession handed me back my old belongings and had me sign off a bunch of contracts. I was trying not to cry, but I think my hand shook terribly and some tears might've fallen onto the papers. Then two large guards walked me out from Procession to the front entrance, where Mia's familiar baby-blue car was already waiting for me. She ran out and and we hugged, I can't remember the last time I felt her soft hair on my face.

We talked a lot about my future on my drive home. I still have to report to a parole officer and worry about legal stuff, but Mia said she's already found a family friend looking to contract out some jobs. With my record, employment will be hard, but there are companies willing to hire me for my welding skills. She said we'll make it through, she said we always do.

When I got home, my parents were already waiting for me with a table full of cooking. There was a lot more of crying and hugging, followed by the best meal in my life. It was a proper celebration for my new beginning. We made all kinds of plans: we were going to save up money for a small apartment in downtown, take my parents skiing, start my own repair shop…

This is the best day of my life, the thought drifts in my mind as Mia's breathing lulls me to sleep.

…

I wake up.

I'm strapped down to a bed in a barren room. Achingly bright lamps buzz above me. A blurry figure approaches with a heavy syringe.

Where am I?

The last of Mia's warmth dissipates.

No. No. NO!

…

[RESTARTING SIMULATION IN 3, 2, 1…]

[RESETTING MEMORY…]

[REPLAYING LOOP(15 of 300,000): PAROLE#41DD8]

[//Programmer notes: the purpose of the Sisyphus program is to maximize despair for the inmate. False hope is the cruelest punishment, and the most efficient.//]