" Ah, good morning um, Applejack was it? Yes, come in take a seat, we are going to have a little discussion. Oh, before you find your cell of course."
Blankly staring back, exhausted eyes stared unblinking at me.
"Um, right. Yes, so Applejack? How are you feeling? Any thoughts or...uh, doubts on your current situation?"
Lifting his head slightly, I could see Applejack was half-heartedly eyeing me up, trying hard to look intimidating. Unfortunately for him, he just ended up looking tired, due to the excessive bags under his eyes.
The small office around us, was specifically designed to look comforting, so anyone who would sit in the chair across from me would feel at ease. I don't think it was working now though. A dull, brown desk was where I sat with several notes and folders neatly organized to make a sense of order become apparent. If Applejack even noticed the time I took in designing all of this, he didn't seem to care or pay any attention to it.
Instead, he decided to answer me.
"How am ah feeling? How do ya think ah`m feeling, have ya seen my case file?" Sounding annoyed, Applejack rolled his eyes and sat back on his chair... however, that sense of hidden fear became even more prominent. Behind his eyes, I could see it.
Just lying beneath the surface...
Fear...
Worry....
A hint of anger....
It was telling me more than what I got through what he was saying.
Stammering, I tried to think of a competent, all-knowing answer to this.
"Oh, uh.... well, I-"
"Ah fought not. Ya just like the rest oem. Looking all proper in ya fancy suits an all but when it comes tah the talk, ya got nothin`."
"Well, I hardly think that's fair, I have barely said anything to you. Look, lets try this again, I think we got started on the wrong track-"
"Who tha` fuck do ya think you are? Mah superior? Do ya have any idea how long ah worked on mah farm, looking after mah family! Ya have no fucking clue, so shut ya fucking mouth."
Sighing to myself inside, I could tell this wasn't going to be easy. I genuinely want to help these people, I swear. So, why is it so difficult to hold a conversation with someone?
"Ok, look. I just want to say, that I am here to help you. Over the course of your time, here, in prison, I want to get to know you better so I can aid you in your self-recovery." Papers shuffle as I search through my folders.
"Now, I can see in most of these files that a problem with alcoholism is mentioned frequently. Especially after the incident with-"
Without any warning, Applejack suddenly cuts me off, a stern, yet almost sorrowful, tone in his voice, like an adult protecting its child.
"There is no need to get intah the specifics othis really, is there, now? Why dont we jus` stick to what ah will be going through in this prison. Okay?"
Perturbed, I reluctantly nod. I must have hit a nerve there, how he set off like that. Got to remember that for the future when conversing with this particular person. With this thought, I almost let out a loud groan as I realize that I've got 5 others to introduce myself to after this. And I still wasn't finished here!
"Alright Applejack, I can see that's a sensitive spot there, so we will avoid that particular subject from now on, yes?" After a nod of confirmation I continue, clearing my throat.
"Ok, so on the um, details of your time here, I have not prescribed you with anything, no pills or medicine like that. However, you will be not allowed to consume any alcohol on your visit here."
Sensing rising hostility at that last statement, I quickly and nervously continue on.
"So, uh of course, alternatives will be um, offered to you, in case you feel any sort of withdrawal symptoms. This is a minimal security prison after all, I`m sure you will be allowed some non-alcoholic root beer or something similar."
Applejack, arms crossed, sighs in frustration and mutters "Perfect..."
Quickly snapping my eyes to the clock, I decide its time to end this session and move on to the next prisoner, which I was not looking forward to! Clapping my hands, I stand up to make my way to the door.
"Well then, I think we can safely call this... um, meeting, an introduction, no? Heh, heh." Reaching for the door, I hold it open for Applejack to walk through.
"Now, why don't we call this a day hmm? I`m pretty busy introducing other prisoners today and you need to be accustomed to your new living space, so..."
Indignant, Applejack jumps to his feet and comes right up to me, emerald eyes glaring into mine.
"Whathe fuck is this? Ya letting me go all o ah sudden? No reason, nothin? Ah fought this was meant to be ah... counselling session o some sort, but that's it? That's all ah fucking get?"
Trembling slightly I manage to mumble out some words, but they go unheard by the attacker.
" Ahm sorry, wha the fuck did ya say?"
Breathing deeply, I try again.
"I- uh, I`m sorry if I um, offended you in any way, Applejack, please, I just have a very busy day, you see and-"
"Yeah, yeah save it for thaperson who actually cares about this..." He waves his hand around for a moment. "Therapy. Yeah, this therapy, ya have here. But, whatever. Ahm glad to git out o` here anyway, the sooner this is done, tha better!"
And with that, Applejack shoves past me into the hallway beyond.
Shuffling slowly to my desk, I collapse onto my seat with exhaustion. However, as fate would have it, I am not allowed one moment of solace as suddenly-
KNOCK. KNOCK.
Sigh... "Come in..."