Unit two is a maximum security section of Vanier Centre for Women, where everyone starts out but many don't stay for long. It's the only section of which I have any experience. There are six different wings, or ranges, on the unit: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F. A, B, F wings are general population. Inmates can be bounced from one to the other because for all intents and purposes they are interchangeable, aside from the fact that 2B is bigger and has single cells which means that one person has to sleep on a mattress on the floor. Because of the overcrowding 2B tends to be on lockdown more often than A or F wing. I also hear that each gen pop range has a distinct culture -- for example Leah (2A) is generally considered to be rowdier than mine (2F) and 2B is said to be dirtier.

Today, Leah, went to jail. For the last 18 months, I could not write to her, talk to her, argue with her. We could not hug, or hold hands. There was no texting, no phone calls, no emails. The one person that I talked to a few times a day every day, was someone I was not allowed to make eye contact with if I ever saw her on the street. 

And then suddenly a few weeks ago my bail conditions were gone. Our friendship, which was considered a threat for so long was now legal.