This ABC News story following up on an early 1990s story ends on a deftly sensitive note.

Since entering prison Smart has completed two master’s degrees, one in law and one in English literature. Those studies have kept her focused.

And she said her favorite book is “The Scarlet Letter,” which is the tale of a woman condemned for having an illicit affair.

“Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ‘The Scarlet Letter’ is a story that I could really relate to,” Smart said. “I feel like I’m this modern day scarlet letter that I can’t ever get rid of.”

“I’ll be forever punished by my own bad choices,” she added.