Orlando Vences says prison saved his life. Behind bars, he reconciled with his family and got his GED. Vences said he dropped weight and realized he was destined to do more than just sell drugs. But now, on the verge of his release, he is afraid the system that helped turn his life around could instead mean his death.
![Ten thousand Texas prisoners approved for parole sit behind bars amid coronavirus pandemic](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_featured_image/public/articles/2021-08/DMN%2520picture%2520story%2520052720.jpeg?itok=GEcbGwuD)