[ WP ] Major prison sentences have become a choice between two pills . One just kills you . The other , well no one knows what that one does ...

`` I'm here with Walter Burroughs, who has agreed to give us this exclusive interview talking about how he went from billionaire, celebrity hedge fund manager to convicted felon and then to global philanthropist.'' The reporter turned toward me and continued, `` What made you finally decide to talk about your extraordinary fall from grace and your long journey of redemption?'' 
 
 I had prepared for so long for this day, yet I hesitated. I collected my senses and began, `` As of today, I've finally reached my goal. I've helped put roofs over the heads of one million families who would otherwise have lost their homes. I've helped put ten million children through college. I've actually asked you here to announce my retirement.'' 
 
 `` You're retiring?'' 
 
 `` Yes, you see, I actually could n't stop until now.'' 
 
 `` I'm sorry, I do n't understand. What do you mean by that?'' 
 
 `` Do you remember the'Ultimate Choice' program from back when I was in prison?'' 
 
 `` Yes. That was the program by which major prison sentences were commuted to the choice between a lethal pill and a non-lethal pill. As I recall, that program was eventually cancelled. You were the only prisoner to actually choose the non-lethal pill and retain his sanity. You've never spoken about your experiences. Is this finally the time?'' 
 
 I took a deep breath. I was reminded myself that I was prepared. `` Yes. You see, when you take the non-lethal pill, you sign a non-disclosure agreement about what it does. That agreement expires when you finish your sentence.'' 
 
 She nodded. 
 
 `` Now, the reason I did n't go insane was that I was the only one to be able to figure out a way to finish my sentence. When I took the pill, I was immediately overwhelmed with guilt for what I had done. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but I suspect it has to do with stimulating a person's sense of empathy. Anyway, the others who tried the pill could n't handle the guilt. This is quite understandable, as they were mostly murderers, rapists, and such. How do you live with that type of guilt? You ca n't make up for taking a person's life. I, on the other hand, had only committed financial crimes. After all, I was the first person to scam over one hundred billion dollars from my victims. 
 
 `` After I took the pill, I was released from prison. The public was outraged that I got out of prison with no apparent consequences. I had caused countless people to lose their homes. I had caused countless people to go bankrupt.'' I fought to keep my voice steady. `` I had ruined so many lives. I deserved it.'' 
 
 I paused to collect myself for a moment. `` This nearly destroyed me. The only thing that kept me sane was that I had a plan.'' 
 
 ( I'll try to finish this later )
