Shane awoke to the strong smell of bacon. Her stomach growled as she yawned, stretched, and looked at her surroundings. The letter was still on the floor where she had left it the night before. She got up and reached for the letter, but her stomach growled again. She looked at the letter and then at the door. The letter would just have to wait. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast yesterday and she couldn’t wait. Shane threw on a shirt (she never slept with one on) and bounded down the steps. There was her Aunt humming and making pancakes. “Hey sleepy head.” She said turning to a groggy Shane. “Hey. This food smells great.”

“Here. Have a seat.” Laina told Shane handing her a plate filled with pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs. Shane shoveled food into her mouth and retold the story of her evening. Three platefuls later Shane headed upstairs after helping clean up the kitchen. Shane sat on her bed and stared at the letter in front of her. She had pushed it off long enough. In one swift movement Shane got up and snatched the letter from the floor. Tearing the envelope open, Shane noticed that her hands were shaking. She didn’t know why she was so nervous. As her trembling hand opened the letter, three fifty dollars bills fell into Shane’s lap. She smiled at the older woman’s generosity and kindness. The letter said:

Shane,

I see in you great pain and suffering. I also see a pure heart and strong spirit. These qualities over power your sadness and give you the strength to keep going. I know that God has dealt you a bad hand, but I also know that you’re an excellent card player. Stay strong Shane. You have an amazing capacity for love. Take chances in your life and remember that you deserve to be happy.

Love always,

Anna

At the bottom of the letter there was an ace of spades. Shane picked it up held it to her heart. A small tear trickled down her cheek. She stuffed the card in her back pocket and headed downstairs to use the computer.

Ten Years Later…

Shane awoke from her dream soaked in sweat. She unconsciously rubbed her fingers along the tattoo on the back of her neck. She checked the clock. It was 6:00 in the morning. She took a cold shower and headed for the kitchen grabbing a wife beater on the way. She reached in the fridge for a beer and popped the cap holding the bottle to her lips. “You’re starting a little early, don’t you think?”