It’s a dream come true to be on Dru Ann Love’s blog to celebrate Judy Penz Sheluk’s Larceny and Last Chances anthology.
My short story, A Promise Kept, is included. Happy to introduce the characters, Jane and Ruby 
Footsteps pad along the hallway and into my bedroom. I try not to laugh, knowing what’s coming next. A warm body scoots up beside mine and my right eye is gently pulled open by two tiny fingers.
“Jane, it’s get up time.”
Although I want sleep, Ruby’s grin is too hard to resist. I pick up my baby sister and head to the kitchen. My mother’s bedroom door is closed. Without a job anymore, she’s rarely up before noon. The fridge is empty, the cupboards bare. Ruby observes my every movement. It pains me the look on her face, the worry in her eyes. In a drawer is a watermelon lollipop, which I pass over. It’s the best I can do.
Outside I steer Ruby to childcare, her tiny hand in mine. By the time we say our goodbyes, her lips are covered in sticky green dye.
I shuffle along Queen Street. Between the smells wafting from the restaurants and people with supersized cups and donuts, my mouth is watering. It hardly seems fair.
Part of it is my fault. Stealing from the grocery store where I worked parttime wasn’t the smartest move. My boss had a right to fire me. But for one stupid stinking piece of cheese? I can’t catch a break.
The high school looms ahead. If I could skip class to search for a new job, I would, but the best way to forge a better future is through education. Besides, I’ll get another job. In the meantime, bills are overdue and Ruby needs sneakers. The last thing I want is to shoplift. But if I have to…
At five o’clock, Ruby and I are in the park, where I open today’s bag. One ham sandwich to share. Apple slices and a couple of cookies. I spread the picnic between us. Ruby giggles, which takes my breath away.
I pull her into a tight hug, soaking in her innocence. For one moment, my concerns vanish. No matter what issues arise tomorrow, every decision I make—good or bad—will be to ensure our family gets one last chance.