The next day, Joel was transferred. Dean felt a little unsure about what to do without Joel's knowledge. But before Joel left, he told Dean to look for Mark. Mark had led Joel to Christ, and he could help Dean. During free time that afternoon, Dean sought Mark out. They sat in the courtyard and talked at length.
"If you would like, I can get you a Bible to study." Mark offered.
"I would. Thanks." Dean nodded. "Why are you here?" he asked abruptly, not even sure why.
"I'm here because I lost my temper." Mark said, without preamble. "I attacked my ex-girlfriend's boyfriend."
"What?" Dean asked. What were the odds that he would meet two other seventeen-year-old guys guilty of the same crime as he was?
"I was merciless. I wanted to see the guy suffer."
"Were you saved then?"
"Yes." Mark nodded. "It's not something I'm proud of. I should have known better--no." He corrected himself. "I did know better."
"Why did you do it, then?" Dean asked.
"I was sinning, purposefully. It was wrong. The Holy Spirit was telling me not to, but I flew in the face of my own faith and committed the sin anyway. I wish every day I hadn't. If I hadn't, Laura might not have been so hurt. Her boyfriend might be well. I ruined both of their lives. And after everything, they're still together. They're getting married soon. He's in a wheelchair. She hasn't spoken to me since they day I pleaded guilty, and I don't blame her. I wouldn't talk to me either."
"Is Laura a Christian?"
"Yes." Mark nodded again. "And I pray every day that she can forgive me, but forgiveness isn't automatic. It can't be taken; it must be given." The call came for everyone to return to their cells, and Dean shook Mark's hand as they headed for the door to go inside.
"Thanks." Dean said. "And please, pray for me. I can tell you more tomorrow."
"I look forward to it." Mark said, genuinely, and Dean had not felt this good in a long time. He had a friend.