After I was released from prison, my ex-boyfriend hurt me in every way he could. He didn't know I was going to die soon.

After five years in prison, the first thing I did was book a natural burial.

“Ms. Vance, this is your reserved natural burial service. After you pass, your body will be taken to the Alps for a green burial. You’ll need to pay a deposit now, with the remaining balance due within two weeks.”

I nodded, fumbling a worn plastic bag out of my faded jeans. I counted the bills and coins I’d saved for so long behind bars, over and over, before finally managing to hand over the full deposit.

I’d been diagnosed with late-stage cancer in prison. They estimated I only had a month left to live.