Chapter 9 begins with the protagonist’s visit to FCI Corbettsville, a minimum-security prison located in New York, which is primarily designed for nonviolent offenders. This facility, resembling a college dormitory in its structure, offers inmates a variety of opportunities to work and take classes, providing a semblance of normalcy within the confines of their incarceration. On the day of his visit, which coincides with his birthday, the protagonist arrives early, eager to reconnect with his daughter. He has carefully researched the rules and best practices for visiting the facility, determined to make the most of the opportunity to see her. Despite the seemingly simple goal of spending time with his daughter, the protagonist is quickly confronted with the challenges of navigating the prison system’s strict regulations, which sets the stage for the emotional journey that will unfold throughout the chapter.

Upon entering the prison, the protagonist encounters the security measures that are a hallmark of the prison system. These rigid protocols are made clear as he faces an immediate obstacle—his name is not on the visitation list, a crucial step for gaining access to the inmates. The system requires that inmates approve their visitors in advance, which adds another layer of complexity to the process. Although the protagonist has followed all the necessary procedures and has good intentions, he is informed by an officer that his daughter’s mother, Margaret, is the only person who can add him to the list. The officer emphasizes that he must wait until he has her consent, and the protagonist is advised to return during the designated visiting hours after obtaining approval. Though the protagonist feels both frustrated and disappointed, he is understanding of the rules and tries to persuade the officer to make an exception, but his attempts are in vain.

While waiting for an update on his situation, the protagonist observes the emotional dynamics playing out around him. He sees families reuniting with inmates, each interaction marked by a mix of joy and sorrow. Some visitors embrace their loved ones tearfully, while others navigate the painful reality of being separated by the prison system. This moment of waiting allows the protagonist to reflect on the deep emotional toll incarceration has on families, reinforcing the divide between those inside and outside the prison. Eventually, the officer returns with the news that Margaret has chosen not to see the protagonist, a decision that deepens his feelings of isolation. The protagonist learns that other visitors share similar experiences of being unable to see their loved ones, but the weight of his situation is amplified as he grapples with the personal rejection. The stark contrast between the joy of the reunions around him and his own inability to connect with his daughter is striking, and it heightens the emotional complexity of the moment.

As the visit comes to an end, the protagonist leaves the prison with a heavy heart. He reflects on the stark contrast between his life outside the prison walls and the deep emotional yearning experienced by the families of incarcerated individuals. While he enjoys the love and support of friends and family waiting for him on the outside, the protagonist cannot ignore the absence of his daughter on his birthday. This absence underscores the emotional void that the prison system creates for families, a feeling of loss that cannot be easily filled by the support of others. The chapter poignantly explores the difficulty of maintaining familial bonds within the prison system, particularly the challenges that arise when emotional barriers and bureaucratic obstacles prevent meaningful connection. The protagonist’s sense of isolation is palpable as he leaves, and the reader is left with a vivid understanding of the emotional strain that accompanies a visit to a loved one in prison. The complex interplay of hope, rejection, and the harsh realities of the prison system adds depth to the chapter, making it a powerful exploration of familial love, loss, and the toll of incarceration on relationships.