Other side of the bars

I'm writing a story about women jail deputies, so of course, I sought one out. She's only 26 — younger than me— and about the same height. She told me some wild stories about the things she has to deal with as caretaker of criminals. People on drugs. Inmates calling her names. Her safety outside of work.

I have to admit, every once and awhile, the latter crosses my mind. What if someone I wrote about wanted revenge and burned down my house? Nothing even close has happened so far and I'll likely be fine. But it made me realize what these deputies face. They have daily contact. All I did was pass through the jail. Only a handful of inmates had a good look at me. It's a whole different thing when they all know your name.

Lesson learned: My skin is thin compared to these women.