Opie Winston stared at the letter in his hands. It wasn't from Donna, the last thing he got from her were the final divorce papers and the new custody arrangement. He hated her for leaving, but a part of him was glad she did it when he was inside. Less painful in a way, although he would miss his kids. He had vowed to write to them weekly even if they couldn't read yet.

No, this letter had an address from Wyoming. Opie didn't know anyone in Wyoming but was curious. And bored as hell. With a sigh he opened it.

Dear Harry,

This letter probably finds you curious. My name is Dylan Hawkins and I am a 19 year old student from Wyoming. I saw on the campus coffee shop wall a pen pal program. Since letters are going out of style, I thought why not? Imagine my surprise when they randomly paired me with an inmate in Chino! I hope you knew my letter was coming, and that you will write back.

Like I said, I'm a college student but only doing a two year program for accounting. I grew up on a ranch in Sweetwater County, Wyoming with my mother, uncle and grandparents. I was the only kid around and my uncle tended to forget I'm a girl…which means I can shoot, ride, spit, fight and all that. My poor mother wanted a lady and she got a tomboy. She helped grandmama run the house and I was often out riding or helping with the cattle.

I decided to go into accounting because if I ever want to leave the ranch, which is called Freyr Winds, then I can get a job nearly anywhere. I am lucky in that my mom loves to travel so I've been all around the country and even took a summer to backpack Europe. That had my Uncle Cody in fits because he didn't have his sidekick with him.

Anyways, I hope you are doing as well as you can while inside. I don't know what you are in for, but I am good listener if you ever want to talk. I'm trying to write weekly, if that isn't too annoying or if you have a significant other I don't want to be a bother. If this is weird, I'm sure they could give me a different pen pal.

May the stars light your path and may love settle your heart.

Dylan

Opie smiled at the letter. Dylan sounded like a sweetheart, and however his name got on this pen pal thing, he was kinda glad. Sure he heard from the club, but this could be something that was only his. And a good distraction, hell he might even get some pictures. But he would have to correct her on calling him Harry.

Dylan gave a whoop of excitement when she saw a letter from California addressed to her. The man had written back. Tucking her hair behind her ears she rushed to the kitchen to read the letter over breakfast.

Dear Dylan,

I didn't even know I was signed up for this type of thing. Maybe my lawyer did it to show good behavior. Please call me Opie, not terribly fond of my first name. I'm 24 and a north Cali native. Little city called Charming. I'm in for five years.

I grew up mainly with my dad and his friends. My mom was in and out, didn't like my dad's job much. I love riding Harley's and fixing cars. I think it's cool you're a tomboy and can shoot and shit.

My wife just divorced me, took the kids to her mom's in Colorado. It sucks but that is life I guess. So you ain't a bother, kinda nice to have someone to write to besides my kids.

Can I get a picture? Curious about what you look like- and you can look at my mugshot.

Have a good one.

Opie

Dylan bit her lip at the letter. Her heart broke for the guy. It would suck to have your wife leave you and take your kids to another state. Five years…she would have to look him up for what he was actually charged with. And see a picture, it wasn't like he could send her one.

As for sending him one…that made Dylan a little uncomfortable. She had no illusions that Harry…Opie…was some preppy soon to be banker. But she didn't want her picture passed around Chino either. And what if he thought she was ugly and didn't write back? Scoffing at her insecurity Dylan tucked the letter in the envelope finishing her breakfast.