Silent raindrops and a friendly whip of wind clashed with the car's windshield. Nathaniel and Sheldon took the front seat-the old marine taking the wheel, while Maximillian and the warden were positioned in the back.

Despite the silent agreement, not to question the Senator's motive, warden Protacio couldn't keep his curiosity at bay. He threw a continuous glance towards the old Senator, his tongue, barely able to keep the question from rolling out his mouth.

Maximillian Gorte was aware of the glances thrown his way, even the marine who had not shown an interest in his reasons had been peering through his rear-view mirror.

He had a deep reason, but it was something that only Maria Ventura was allowed to know. From the time he decided to leave and forget the world that he once lived in, Maximillian swore to himself, never to allow anyone to pry about his past. Who could have told him, that the person-the reason for his successful life would once again find his way into his life? Although Lucious Dualti is dead, the woman whom Maximillian knew to be the sole reason for that man's existence was still alive. Maria should know, not for her sake-but for Lucious.

Lucious Dualti was a confused soul. A man blinded by his love. Maximillian met him when he was just a mere child. Out of all the people Maximillian encountered during his lifetime, it was Lucious who had left a deep impact. It was him, who taught Maximillian what love was, what sacrificing for your heart meant, and the depth that men were willing to burrow themselves into, just to get the woman they love.

Maximillian was born with an intelligence that was beyond his age. It was that trait, that helped his career and paved the way to a bright future-but he couldn't credit everything to his intelligence-no, it was Lucious who made everything possible.

"Senator? Would you like to read some of his letters?" Sheldon asked.

It was the warden who answered, "Yes," before the Senator could utter a protest.

The group threw a curious glance toward Protacio, but the warden paid no mind. He held out his hand when Sheldon reached out to give the letters.

Maximillian felt a pang of guilt. He looked at the man beside him and asked, "Aren't these letters too private for us to read?"

Warden Protacio smiled and shook his head. He knew it was wrong to pry into other people's lives or open a letter that was not meant for him. He was aware of the privacy most letters possessed, but he couldn't help it. He once thought, Maria Ventura was a criminal-but since he read the final letter, he could finally say-Lucious Dualti truly sacrificed himself for the one he loved. The Senator was right. Maria needs to know. The letters were to understand Lucious, why he did what he had done and why he deserved a bit of help. Reading them was the best way to deliver his messages to Maria. Why? Well, the warden feared-people may not understand Lucious, not unless they were given the full picture.

"Some letters are missing, " Sheldon whispered, before turning to face the warden and the Senator again.

"Luckily, I have read a handful of these, so let me relay what happened before we proceed with the remaining letters." The warden answered.

After an hour, warden Protacio gazed in silence as Maximillian wiped a tear from his eyes. Protacio wanted to ask; he desperately needed an answer. Maximillian Gorte is a smart and proud man, what could he possibly want with Maria? What was his relationship with the convict Lucious Dualti? It was clear that it was Lucious's name that troubled the Senator, but Protacio couldn't find the courage to ask.

After a pregnant silence claimed the inside of the car, Maximillian finally said, "Let's proceed with the other letters."

Protacio, aware that some of the letters were wet with blood, decided to read those that were not at the risk of getting torn apart.

"Is it okay if we start with the 40'th letter? The others are wet, and I might tear it into pieces."

The others bobbed their heads in agreement.
***

Dear Maria,

How are you? Today I received a beating from one of the prisoners. The young ones who are coming in are getting worst. The number of inmate riots is increasing by the day. I don't know how long I will survive inside these walls but know that my love for you is enough to keep me going. If a riot or health issues do not claim my life, I'm certain that old age will.

But dying of old age makes me sad Maria. I have to confess that there are nights where I would beg the heavens to let me die in the hands of one of the prisoners here. I wish one would decide to stab me and be done with it. Unfortunately, love, all I'm worthy of, is a few punches.

The man who beat me said that I'm not even worthy of their hands and time. How cruel can destiny be to me Maria? Am I truly not worth anything? Not even to be killed by a fellow inmate?

I have tons of bruises now; it made sleeping difficult. I received a lot of kicks on my backside and it hurts a lot.

These black and blue colors on my body reminded me so much of that time, love. The time when you experienced the same kind of colors on your skin.

Those days were the true beginnings of my hate and loathe for your husband. It gave birth to the strength and will inside me too... I'm sorry Maria, I guess talking about that would only pain you.

I remember it was a Monday morning. The sun barely shone on the horizon. The waking birds and their melodic sound which usually engulfed the mornings of Marreta were silenced by the commotion inside your house. I wanted to check what was happening, but all I could do was lean my head against the walls. I heard how you begged him to stop after every whip of his belt on your body. I knew it was on your body Maria because I saw the bruises when it was over.

I can still remember every scream that came out of your mouth. Every whimper that you let out. Your tears and your blood over furniture and walls drove me insane. I think that the first day when he finally resorted to hurting you physically was what truly broke my sanity.

Yes, Maria, I believe I lived as an insane person for ten long years before that faithful night.

How could he have treated you that way? How could you have allowed him to spit on your dignity and treated you like trash?

Why Maria?

Why did it take you so long to beg for help?

Was it due to your love for him? Was it for the kids? Was it for the reputation?

Maria! Merry Christmas. Is the turkey ready? Have you plated them yet? Are your kids with you?

Love Forever

Your Silent Knight.
***

When warden Protacio finished reading the letter, Nathaniel's phone came to life, ringing with a tune that he and his wife danced to, on the day of their marriage.

The old marine immediately answered, with his heart racing-fearing what his wife would say.

He glanced at Sheldon, and the worry on his face was equal to that of Nathaniel.

"Hello, Val?" Nathaniel asked, his voice shaking along with his hands.

"Oh god, Nat... Nat! My mom is awake!" his wife screamed.
The smile that appeared on his lips wasn't enough to measure the relief and joy that washed over his heart.

He and his wife spoke for a few more minutes before Nathaniel glanced toward Sheldon and said, "I think your mother has enough time to listen to these letters."

Sheldon brought his hands towards his chest, grabbed the pendant of the necklace Oscar had given him, and silently asked for his mother's forgiveness.

He would turn things right between himself and his mom, even if it takes his entire life to prove how remorseful he was, and do everything he could to rectify his mistakes.