Morning came quietly. I slipped out of the house, as was my normal routine. There was no food in the fridge,they all had fat. So, I have to fend for myself again.
Richard was already waiting at the corner café near the bus stop, a paper cup of coffee in his hand,this time with donuts, as if he knew I was hungry.
"Good morning to you today, How was the night?"
I answered reluctantly, with eye bags. "Are those for me?"
He smiled at me, and held out his hand, seeing the thoughts I didn't say aloud. Then he handed me the coffee also.
"Looks like someone is really hungry today?"
I wrapped my fingers around the cup, matching on the donuts "Thanks, I said wholeheartedly."
We started walking through the familiar routes again. The city was already awake, cars honked, people already filled the gangway, they were rushing to their daily work places.
"You know," I am planning to look for another job, he said.
I stiffened. "Really?"
He sighed at me. " I want to make something out of my life, I can't keep working for the rich, I can maybe apply for jobs, leave the country, or start my own business far away from here."
"I turned and looked at him, seriously?"... Did you just wake up and plan just like that?
"I have been thinking about this for months, and my family wants me back in the country. I should go and try something out for myself, Mira," he continued. "You can always follow, let's leave this place together," he suggested…Leaving Seabourne could be the best solution right now … what do you think?"
I stopped walking. I have always thought of that but my father is the issue here, he was once a loving father, he could die if I leave alone with those people and also his debt. I looked at him. The Richard family didn't stay here, but I have learnt from Richard that they are a family with contentment, they don't have connections or influence.
"I can't," I said quietly.
"Why not?"
"All my childhood memories are built here, I have always hoped to build something out of it ." I started walking again, And this is the capital city, the central market, businesses will flourish here."I still have my father also. His Debts."
He just sighed. You know you bear a lot of load than you can carry…" Sometimes you just have to be selfish."
At work, the tension was immediate. Azure Lounge was already buzzing with the morning rush. This morning was unsual. Vanessa and Chanel were already there, laughing loudly. Vanessa's eyes narrowed the second she spotted me, her lips curving in that fake, superior smile.
"Look who's here," Vanessa hissed to Chanel. "The little servant thinks she belongs."
Chanel rolled her eyes, swiping her hair back. "Seriously. Who even notices her?"
I ignored them, adjusting my apron and preparing for the storm ahead. But as I carried trays of coffee and breakfast to tables, I could feel Vanessa's stare, her whispering just close enough to be threatening.
"Careful, Mira," she murmured when I passed by. "Don't spill anything today… or maybe do, just so we can see how clumsy you really are."
I kept my jaw tight, heart thudding. One misstep, one spill, and I could already imagine the manager's disapproving frown.
At lunch, I sat across tables, I noticed a small, scruffy dog peering at me from the alley behind the café. Its ribs were visible beneath its dirty fur, and its eyes seemed to plead silently. It reminded me of my pathetic state. I couldn't resist. I ducked into the quiet corner, pulled some leftover bread from my bag, and offered it to the dog. Its tail wagged slowly, cautiously.
"Hey," I whispered. "You need it more than I do."
As I bent down, I barely noticed Vanessa rushing past, pretending to carry a tray, but intentionally bumping me. My heart jumped, because of the heat.
Vanessa smirked, whispering to Chanel, "Almost killed someone with your clumsiness."
Chanel giggled. "She'll get fired soon enough. We just have to wait."
I swallowed my frustration, hiding it behind the professional smile I had mastered over years. Richard appeared at the other side of the room, his presence a quiet shield. He whispered, "You okay?"
I nodded, whispering back, "I'll survive."
The gossip at work was worse than the near-spill. Staff murmured about rich clients, mistakes, and favoritism. Vanessa took every opportunity to look important, bossy, while Chanel followed her lead.ment."
"…heard she's learning everything fast, but still, a servant."
"…did you see her today? Acting like she matters?"
I kept moving, every muscle tense, heart thudding. My thoughts drifted to the stray dog again, I didn't see it again.
By the end of the shift, my feet ached, my arms trembled, but I still collected a small bundle of untouched pastries, wrapped rolls, and desserts to take home. The manager always allows us to take the leftovers. I sat at the side opposite my house, and ensured to eat the best before entering.
The house smelled of stale cigarettes and cheap perfume. Sienna was on the couch, scrolling through her phone, her new boyfriend beside her. He laughed at something she said, loud and careless.
Father sat slouched, a faint smell of alcohol lingering but noticeably calmer. His eyes were tired but sharp. Carter, a family creditor, was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. The reminder of debt and failure pressing down on me.
Lydia appeared as I stepped inside, her eyes narrowing. "Where's the money?" she hissed.
"My manager didn't allow me to collect half of the monthly payment. I whispered,"
So, when will he pay you?, she asked, clearly impatient.
At the end of the month, I replied. Bring it home immediately, you heard me, she barked!
Hand that over she said, what is that?
Her eyes snapped to mine. "Food?"
"For the house," I added. "From work."
Sienna laughed, sharp and careless. "Leftovers from rich people's plates again? How pathetic."
Something inside me cracked. "At least, I worked for it!", I said before I could stop myself.
The room froze.
Lydia's chest rose and fell, eyes blazing. "You don't get to talk back in my house."
"I worked," I said firmly, trembling, "for something real. Not just sitting here, eating life while it passes me by."
Father's voice joined, stern and bitter. "You were born into filial duty, Mira. Do not forget it. Our debts, your responsibility. You pay them. It is your duty."
Carter added coldly, "Time is not waiting, Vale."
Sienna snorted, rolling her eyes, flipping her hair. "She'll never be as… refined as me."
I turned to my room, locking the door behind me, the familiar pain blooming in my chest. I sank to the floor, soaking my pillows.
I opened my notebook hidden under my mattress, scribbling down everything from work: tables, orders, strategies, even Vanessa and Chanel's movements. Knowledge was mine, untouchable, my own power growing silently.
I thought of Richard's offer again, warm and steady. "Anytime," he said. A quiet safety in a chaotic world.
Tonight, I whispered to myself, I had survived. Tomorrow, I will survive agai
n. And one day… I would rise from this shadowed life.