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It's Valentine's Day at the United Processing Center of Reno. I am standing patiently in the visitor's line that runs from the identification booth, through security screening, past the bullet proof glass entrance, along a cinder block wall and around a tall concertina wire fence and finally past rows of ramshackle tents and shit buckets. As I lean against a rusty light pole, I notice there are legions of kids cooking Smackers in large black aluminum pans. The acrid smell of battery acid fills the air.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb8aYo5XfA
I traveled here from Tuscon, on Valentine's Day, to see M.. This is her third facility in seven months. She won't say why they keep moving her. I purchased a state-approved stuffed teddy bear and a single state-approved daisy.
By the time, I get through security, show my identification, complete the appropriateness interview and finally wait for M. to show up, the daisy has wilted and I throw it in the state-approved trash can. This will diminish my state-approved demonstration of love for M..160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx6MeZXz26
Finally M. appears at the Visitor Containment Facility. She is a little rough. Her hair is a bird's nest of tangled knots and there are thick purple bags under her eyes. Her state-approved uniform hangs off her shoulders and it is clear that she hasn't slept, eaten, or drank enough in days. She slowly shuffles up to my table and carefully sits across from me.
“How ya doing Z?” Her voice is hoarse and barely above a whisper.
I shrug. “Going to sell the house in Tempe. The United Board of House Reallocation made me a fair offer on the place.
M. cracks a dry smile. I notice she is missing a couple of teeth. “Oh yea, how much are you going to get?”
I shrug again. “They promise not to beat the living shit out me, if I sign the contract and leave all the furniture.”
“Sounds reasonable,” M. is looking around the facility. There are large open windows on the far side and sunlight is beaming through the openings. The shadows of clouds flow across the floor and M. is mesmerized by the display.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUf383WFFm
I take out the state-approved teddy bear and place it within the borders of a yellow square that is painted on the table.
“I got you a something to show my official love for you M.” M. ignores the gesture and continues gazing at the dancing shadows of clouds and sun. “The children miss you M.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD7dFAkqlS
She freezes for a moment and then turns her head back to me. “How are the children, Z.?”
“They're still in school and their learning was recently approved by the Department of Uniform and Correct Education.”
She relaxes and a tiny smile fractures across her lips. “It is time for me to go. Thank you for showing me your official love.” She stands up straight and gives an exit signal to the cameras.
As I stand up, M. suddenly grabs my shirt and pulls me close to her. She kisses me on my mouth and I can hear alarm bells ringing and guards shouting. A note hidden in her mouth is passed across our lips and under my tongue.
I push her back and fall across the other table. The guards grab M. and drag her back. As she is being pulled through the exit she shouts, “Love you Z. See you next year.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnJD0lWw2e
