Truth Serum

Upon the exchange for handcuffs, the tension within Lola's demeanor dissipated considerably.

The abrasions on her wrists were painful. Although Lola prided herself on her high pain tolerance from childhood scuffles, she struggled to endure the constant friction between the heavy shackles and her skin for extended periods.

Compared to the pain, the unhealed wounds tormented by the shackles resembled cruel torture. Liberated from her restraints, Lola could now pace freely in her solitary cell, sleep on the narrow, damp bunk, and even approach the bars to chat with the correctional officers, play cards, and coax them into sharing their pine nuts.

The only inconvenience was the effort required to maneuver her underpants when using the bathroom. She had first to lift her skirt, hold it in place with her teeth, and then pull the left side up after cleaning herself, followed by the right, repeating the process several times before the underpants were properly in place.

Once completed, she