Pepper writes stories that span the gamut from humorous to heartfelt, however the common theme is crossing boundaries. Pepper's unique stories often tackle taboo topics such as mental illness and homelessness. Readers will find themselves questioning their own sense of right and wrong, attraction and desire.
In addition to writing, the author is also an artist, an introverted recluse, a self proclaimed empath and a foodie. Pepper Pace can be contacted at: 
pepperpace.author@yahoo.com

Hayden Michaels had given six years of her life to MyKell before he informed her that things hadn’t been right for a while. He had met someone else. And that’s when she opened her eyes and saw the mess that she was; financially, emotionally and physically. Never able to maintain the discipline to carry through with any weight loss goal, Hayden makes a bold decision. She will throwaway an entire year of her life; moving towards her goals with no thought of pleasure or pain. 

As she recreates herself Hayden meets situations and people that help her to realize her worth, namely a man who has been written off by society. But the question becomes whether Hayden can accept the faults of someone else without allowing herself to go backwards?

The Throwaway Year

Hayden clawed at her throat as she tried to gulp down a choking breath.  Something was in her mouth and she couldn't breathe past it.  She pulled it and felt a tube far back in her throat but hands quickly stopped her, gripping her wrists gently but firmly.


"Hayden!  Doctor!, Someone, she's awake!"


Hayden blinked in panic as she tried to find her breath beyond the tube that was buried down her throat.  Brian's pale face was there and the sight of it shocked her.  He was holding her wrists and she wanted to explain that she couldn't breathe, that she was dying. Yet for some reason, he just looked happy.


Someone hurried into the room and a man dressed in a white lab coat stared into her eyes.  "Cough Hayden.  Cough and I'm going to pull out the breathing tube."


She tried to cough, but she still had no breath, however the tube was quickly pulled from her mouth in one swift but smooth motion and she immediately gulped down precious air.


Chapter 43: A Wonderful Capacity For Healing