Prison Wine

Let me get this out of the way - I have never been to prison. I know some of you may wonder when I introduce my story, so I wanted to lay those rumors to rest before they arise. But I once rode a train with a man who was recently released from prison, which gives me some authority for the story that follows. This was supposed to be a short film for us, but alas, I do not have access to a train. If someone out there does have access to a train, please let me know. Then I will remove this post and immediately film on said train.

With that out of the way:

[All seen in reflection in train window] A man is sitting in a window seat on a train, late morning on a bright, fall day. The seat beside him is empty. He is wearing a worn denim coat, tired white cotton shirt, and frayed khaki pants. He has a faded black backpack underneath his seat.

As the train steadily moves forward, he reaches into the pocket of his coat and pulls out a cell phone. Slowly, he dials a number and leans back, phone to his ear, staring out the window at the open fields passing by. He grows angry as the number he is calling goes to voicemail. Frustrated, he closes his phone without leaving a message.

He immediately opens the phone back up and quickly dials another number.

MAN: Hey, how’s it going brother? Yeah, well, I’m doin' ok, I’m here on the train…I got my license suspended, long story…Yeah, I know. It’s been seventeen years. But those were my choices. Ain’t no bars holding me now. I’m back… You know, they say wine gets better with age. Well, me and wine got a lot in common. Hey, is mom there? Can she come to the phone? She doesn't have time?...Oh, you guys going to church right now? Yeah, ok, well, say some prayers for me, I need it. I think if I stepped foot in a church these days I’d burst into flames, haha. Give them my love, I’ll see you soon. Bye.

[Still reflected] The man slowly lowers the phone and hangs up. He stares at the face of it in his hand for a few moments, then dials another number. A grin spreads across his face.

MAN: Hey there baby, how are you doing? Yeah, it’s me, I told you I’d be coming back into town. I don’t know for how long yet, but I’m on the train now, should be there soon. You still as pretty as you were? Oh, yeah?...You and me, those were some good times. Hey, you still have that RX-7? Every time I see one I think of you. Especially that one night. Yeah, I do…Well, ok, I’ll let you go. You going to see me when I get in? Maybe, if you’re not too busy? Yeah, ok baby, I’ll be seeing you. Bye now.”

The man hangs up the phone again, a smile still lingering on his face. He immediately dials another number, leaning further down in his seat.

A few moments later he picks up his phone and slowly dials another number. Again, the phone goes to voicemail. Holding back his frustration, he opens his mouth to leave a message, then stops. He shuts the phone again, and quickly dials again.

MAN: Hey, buddy, how are you?! Yeah, I’m on the train now, should be getting into town soon. Man, it’s been a hell of a ride. This last time in wasn’t no piece of cake…You don’t want to talk about it? Yeah, that’s ok…My new PO is great. I had this job offer at a chemical plant in Texas, $25 an hour for the first 25 hours, then time and a half up to 40, then double time after that. For seventeen days. My cousin went out there and came back with 20K. So I told my PO, and he gave me a six month pass to go work! I think he’s actually a little intimidated by me, truth be told. I’m the guy with about 40 felonies, you know?…Um, been doin a lot of fishin lately? Oh really? There's a lot of fucking water around here, and I brought my fishing pole. So if you come out, we’re going fishing…Already? Ok man, well, I’ll find a ride from the station. You go fishin now. Catch some smelt, or some stripers! I’ll be there when you get back. Later.

The man hangs up again and stares out the window. He is lost in thought for a long while. Finally, he makes up his mind, grabs his phone, and dials. As the phone goes to voicemail, he starts his tirade.

MAN: Hey, I’ve been trying to reach you for the past three days! Where are you? Why haven’t you answered my calls? I've been on a train for two days and I would go to the end of the world to see you. You’re my daughter…Listen, can you come get me at the station?...I know, it’s been a while, but...And don't bring that boyfriend of yours cuz I’ll rip his arms off! I don't trust him. Ok, I’ll stop. I don’t have the whole plan figured out yet, because that’s beyond my capabilities, but this is part of it. I want to see you, ok? I’ll be at the station soon. I love you, sweetie.

The man slowly lowers the phone to his lap again. The train begins to slow as buildings appear out the window. The man wakes from his reverie and pulls the backpack from under his seat. He takes a deep breath, then rises and moves into the aisle and departs from the train.

As he walks onto the station platform, his phone starts ringing. People are pushing by him to get onto the train as he struggles to get his phone out of his pocket. A young woman with a man and child board the train behind him, but he doesn't notice. Finally, he gets his phone free and hurries to answer.

MAN: Hey, where are you, I kept calling!...What? Who is this?...Who?...Wait, how did you get this phone? A few days ago? Just bought it? But this is my daughter's number...I'm sure, I've called her before. Well, not on the past month or so, I just got out of...well, I've been busy...I see, well, I'm sorry to bother you.

As the man hangs up the phone, the train starts pulling out of the station. He turns around, and notices the young woman staring at him through one of the train windows. Recognizing her, he starts running.

From inside the train, the woman turns around, closing her eyes. The man with her is holding the child. He notices the man on the platform, running alongside the train, gesturing.

YOUNG MAN: What's wrong? Who is that?

YOUNG WOMAN: It's no one. He used to be my dad.

The train continues along the tracks, away from the station.

And that's the story! It has nothing to do with champagne, except that a release from prison is probably a good time to celebrate. Let's look at the Champagne Jacquesson Cuvee´ No. 734 ($53). The bubbles from this one swirled in the glass like a little tempest. It smelled clean and fruity, with an initial taste that was sweet like apple juice. You could taste the depth given by the pinot noir grapes, which almost burst on your tongue. It was very smooth, and the taste disappeared quickly after drinking. The bubbles did not last long either, which was rather disappointing.

Score: She gives is a 3.5, he gives it a 2.5

Recommended: To be honest, we thought this would be better, as it had been talked up a lot.