I stood all alone in the dark kitchen, running my thumb over the hidden embossed seal on the unopened bank envelope.

I slid my index finger under the flap and ripped it open.

The heavy paper snagged on my nail and left a ragged edge.

I unfolded the single sheet and smoothed it out flat on the faded quilted bedspread in my childhood bedroom.

The room was only beginning to go gray in the early morning light.

The bold black heading at the top of the page jumped out at me.

First Carolina Bank, Final Late Payment Notice.