Forgotten Shadows

 In a dimly-lit prison cell, with two bunks, a small table, and a barred window. Sam and Dave are sitting on their bunks, facing each other.

Sam: (Sighs) You know, Dave, it's been over ten years since I've been locked up in this hellhole.

Dave: I know, man. I can't imagine what it's like to be in here for that long. I've only been here for a couple of years, and it's already getting to me.

Sam: (Nods) Yeah. You know what the hardest part is, though? The mental and emotional struggles. Being locked up for a non-violent crime, it just doesn't seem fair.

Dave: I feel you. We made mistakes, but we didn't hurt anyone. It's like they're punishing us more than we deserve.

Sam: Exactly. And the worst part? People on the outside, they stop thinking and caring about you. I used to have friends, a family that loved me...but it's like I don't exist to them anymore.

Dave: That's rough, man. I still have some contact with my family, but I can see it getting harder for them. The visits are less frequent, and the calls are shorter.

Sam: (Nods) It's like we're just forgotten shadows. You know, when I first got locked up, I thought I'd be able to keep those connections. But as time went on, I could feel them slipping away.

Dave: (Pauses) How do you deal with it, Sam? How do you keep going when it feels like no one cares about you anymore?

Sam: (Looks down) Honestly, it's tough. There are days when I feel like giving up. But you've got to find something to hold onto, something that keeps you going. For me, it's the hope that one day, I'll get out of here and have a chance to rebuild my life.

Dave: I admire that, man. I hope I can find that kind of strength too.

Sam: You will, Dave. Just remember, even if the world forgets about us, we can't forget about ourselves. We have to keep believing that we can change, that we're more than just the mistakes we've made.

Dave: You're right, Sam. I'll try to remember that.

(Both sit in silence, reflecting on their conversation, as the scene fades out.)