I looked into her eyes, now glassy, also in shock - I'd be surprised if they weren't. Before I could object, she wrapped her arms around me, embracing me.I wanted to cry but I couldn't, I really couldn't. I sunk into her embrace and let the warmth fill me. I looked over her shoulder and remember that it was almost 10.30 p.m. In prison, I would have been asleep by now. Ivy let go of me as she wiped off the tears from her flustered cheeks with her wrist.

  " It's been 4 years" she says. 4 years since I last saw her, since I saw family - since I saw them cry. I nodded to what she said, as if I had forgotten. She let me into her apartment, I could hear her constant sniffing, like how I used to. Sleepless nights, weeping in my sleep, dreams about home turned into torture - I felt as if those dreams were taunting me. Her house was as neat as I could remember, everything fit into place,unlike my life right now. 

  " You should go to bed." she suggested. With no hesitation I agreed, I never realized how exhausted I was. I yawn and slumped my way to her guest room. I climbed onto the bed and slipped under the thick, cotton blankets. Warm. This wouldn't be good- it's summer. I turned to my side and reached for then air- conditioning remote and switched it on. Yes, that was right. Just nice.

  That night, was probably the best sleep I ever had.