Picture this: a group of journalists in Moscow banding together to provide toilet paper and a small kettle to their colleague, who is stuck in a cell with video cameras and lights that never go dim. Sounds like a bad reality show, but unfortunately, it’s the reality of being locked up in Lefortovo, a prison in Russia.

Ksenia Mironova, a Russian journalist who knows the ins and outs of Lefortovo from her fiancé’s two-year stint there, has become an expert in advising on the dos and don’ts of what can be sent to inmates. Evan, the poor bloke in the cell, needs toilet paper and cash for toiletries and food. Who knew that toiletries could become a hot commodity in prison?!

Speaking of bad situations, Evan had the misfortune of being thrown into the same prison as Ivan Safronov, a former journalist arrested for alleged treason, and Paul Whelan, an American businessman arrested on fake spying charges while attending a wedding. Paul, being the Marine that he is, used his prisoner-of-war training to keep his spirits up, singing national anthems every morning. But, the guards eventually put a stop to his daily performances. So much for finding joy in the little things!

The Whelan family had it rough since they operated from a distance, not knowing much about the language or legal system in Russia. The delays in receiving the letters they sent to Paul were cruel, leaving them feeling abused. The Russian regime is not making it easy on foreign journalists or activists, like Vladimir Kara-Murza, an anti-war activist and politician held on charges, including treason, while suffering from a condition that could lead to paralysis of his hands and feet. It seems like they are sending a clear message.

Evan is different from the rest, though. He was fully accredited to work in Russia and is an American journalist taken hostage in prison. The regime needs hostages, just like how mushrooms pop up after rain, and they’re trying to get as many back as possible. His family and friends continue to send small updates that bring a little comfort to his dreary cell.

Meanwhile, Safronov and Whelan are enduring their sentences in Russian penal colonies, with some small improvements, thanks to Mironova’s advice. Griner’s representatives offered support to Evan’s family and friends.

We can only hope and pray for Evan’s release while he remains confined with no phone or video calls to the outside world. All we have left are our old messages that we can re-read with the knowledge that the prison authorities are probably reading them too. It’s a good thing they don’t know the password to our Netflix accounts!