A year had passed since all those events came to an abrupt end. It had been a period full of moments, some more significant than others, for the characters of this story. Lara and Don finally spent an afternoon without worries or troubles. They enjoyed the best tea in town, and the coffee had a unique flavor, a distinct aroma, and a bitter taste that could not be matched anywhere else. Seeing him so full of life, Lara wanted to give her brother a day to remember, a boy who had fought to survive and had recovered in a remarkably short time. Of course, his physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions still needed to continue.
Some fruit tarts and chocolate muffins were brought to their table as a gesture of gratitude for their presence. Embarrassed because she had not yet ordered a dessert for her little brother, Lara immediately looked toward the waiter and realized her mistake. Frozen and unsure of what to do, she let herself be overcome by emotions and threw herself into his arms. Perhaps the moments they had shared were vague, and she still felt guilty for the way she had used him. Overcome with emotion, Lara cried, and Trent wiped her tears away, telling her he was happy to have such special guests.
Trent had changed completely. From an impulsive man who could explode at any moment and bring chaos around him, he had become the owner of a new location called Phoenix. His grandmother would certainly have been proud. Despite his past missteps, his goal had always been the same: to build a place where his grandmother could sell tea and coffee and enjoy the conversations she had with her customers. This promise had become a purpose he could not refuse, which explained his determination to follow the dream entrusted to him by his wonderful grandmother.
Confused, Don asked his sister to tell him how she knew this kind and gentle man who had moved her so deeply. Trent sat down and recounted to Don how they had met, also mentioning Zeke, though the story was fabricated. Still, the words spoken about Lara and Zeke were true. Though he had been like a wild dog, Trent had felt the kindness in Lara, her innate power of persuasion, her natural leadership, a person who could make someone comply from the first moment of eye contact. Lara was the complete opposite, but for her brother, she would do anything. Perhaps this was also why Jack Fortuna had made that small agreement with her.
A year had passed, and Jackpot was no longer mentioned; it seemed like a dream for Zeke and a nightmare for the others. Lara and Trent did not know, but Jack Fortuna continued to engage in extreme acts of charity that involved lost souls. Even if his intentions were good, the methods he used were extreme. The worst part was that the hospitals associated with him were not fully aware of the origins of the miracle donors, and the hospitals were only one of the many good deeds he carried out.
After their emotional meeting, Trent invited them to visit again to chat and to help Don develop a love for teas as he had at that age. Eventually, Lara and Don had one final trip to visit an old friend, bringing flowers and cookies. On his tombstone was engraved:
"Here rests Zeke Foster, a man full of surprises, an analyst, a gambling enthusiast, and a wonderful person who gave his heart to someone who had dedicated his life entirely to saving or prolonging another life. Thank you, Zeke."
“Happy Birthday,” were the warm words Lara spoke, even though no ordinary person would celebrate the birthday of someone deceased. But Lara had never been one to mark the dark moments in life with celebration. In her heart and within Dr. Thorne Heart, Zeke had become a part of them.
This was the story of a gambler from Hellspring who chose to test his position in society and ultimately proved that a man considered a mere jack could defeat a king, though not always. Kings are not always chosen for their nobility or love for their people; sometimes power and fear alone are enough.
The two young people who listened to Don’s story, sitting on a curb in front of a casino, decided it was better to keep their money for food and head to school. Reflecting on what they had just heard, they still wondered if all these accounts were true, but who could know? What was certain for these young people was that Don had given them a thrill down their spines that would not be easily forgotten.