FIFTY EIGHT

It was not a letter from Timmy’s bastard of a father. Rather, it was a letter announcing Jane’s miraculous win for the Interior Design competition. She had come in second and was thus awarded a letter of recognition as well as a cheque of two hundred grand; a great amount of money in Jane’s eyes.

“Oh my God!” Pepper squealed, the corner of her eyes crinkling as she jumped up and down like a little girl who had been gifted a lifetime supply of lollipops. “You won!” Pepper continued in jovial celebration, pumping her fist in the air and stomping her feet like a gipsy dancing around a bonfire.

Jane stood at Pepper’s desk holding the precious cheque in her hands wondering if this was all a dream. Despite all that had happened the night before, Jane had to smile. With the prize, she would be able to pay back some of the money she owed Wayne. Even better, she would also be able to find a rented room elsewhere.

The two wo