Outside, reporters shouted questions as the pregnant prisoners were loaded into transport trucks. Nadia turned her head and met Fiona’s gaze. Her lips whispered “thank you.” The words stayed with Fiona long after the gates closed.

Months later, the two prisons were rebuilt under tighter control. The tunnel was sealed forever with concrete and steel. But Fiona never forgot the sound of the shovel on the empty space. It was the sound of truth breaking through the surface.

Because in the end, the question wasn’t just how it happened. It was why so many hearts were willing to dig in the dark.