#memoir Contest/The New Literary Society

Everyone Deserves a Second Chance

His love for her made all the difference

L. Jean Davis
NEW LITERARY SOCIETY
8 min readMar 20, 2023

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Photo by Cameron Stow on Unsplash

Ricardo had sat in the same prison cell for four years. His life seemed as though it was over before it got started.

His mom died while he was in prison, and they took him to the funeral in handcuffs. His dad died of alcohol poisoning alone, and he had no idea where his two sisters were. He turned twenty-one in a few days and had no future for himself.

"This life is only for the ones with family, and it looks like I have none," he told his cellmate.

“At least you know who your parents were."

"Hey Ricardo, pack your stuff. You go to your new home, The Rehab place.” the guards chuckled.

They knew Ricardo would have a hard time there, too. They were required to submit three job applications a week, see their parole officer once a week, and observe a strict curfew.

"Yeah, I got you!! Anything better than Jackson." Ricardo said with a grin and smirk.

Ricardo gave his cellmate his reading materials and toiletries as he left.

"Man, thanks. I’ll see you outside soon."

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L. Jean Davis
NEW LITERARY SOCIETY

Life can be messy, and I write about it. Travel, history, and life are my genres. Come travel with me as we learn history. https://5grandkids1great.substack.com