From Debt To Destiny

self-assured grin. "Let's hear t

rld far different from the one she knew. A world of neatly manicured facades, social commitments, and unfath

amily's best interests as well as her own. She would make her way through this unfamiliar land,

e. Her little flat was taken over by a group of stylists who changed her clothes from affordable to high-end brands.

ue, probing her about esoteric charitable projects or the subtleties of ballroom dance. Marie felt a

gth mirror. Her little flat, which had formerly been a comfortable sanctuary, seemed oppressively

feeling relieved as her

for you? I began to get conc

name only" and began a frantic description of her new e

up? Do you think you

sure," Marie said. It's all very...unique.

rmly said. "Marie, you are powerfu

was the pledge they made to meet again

glass and steel behemoth that towered over everythin

to come to his office," the d

rkplace seemed considerably more chilly than normal. With hi

e here," withou

rie said in a somewh

's yearly fundraising." At last, he turned, his ey

a nod. "

For the love of God, try not to trip over

ie tense. "I believe I c

n amusement crossed his face as he lifte

seemed strange. But before she could respond, Jo

ment, neatly attired in a fitted tuxedo. Marie was wearing a borrowed designer gown that felt as hea

n dress and scorching red hair. Olivia was there, a b

r eyes darting to Marie. "Wh

back again. A spark of something f

et my wife, Marie,

Olivia's eyes were fixated on her, a c

r that evening when they st

ou," he said in an

sigh. "Your fri

, "Olivia, and yes, she

said Marie. "But not exa

untenance weird. He spoke "No,

ormally icy and guarded blue eyes. This spark mirrored the one Marie experience

's just get through the night," and mov

s and courteous banter. Marie experienced a feeling of tiredness w

idence. Gazing out the window, Marie saw the shimmering city lights agains

vehicle silently, leaving Marie to follow. Tonight, the huge

ting," Marie finally murm

y displaying a glimmer of humo

'm used to." "But then again, not much i

uppose not." After a little pause, he s

a success. Marie said, "Thank you," with a sincere grin on her face.

nless. Then, rather unexpectedly, he pointed to th

see the view from t

have shown her astonis

's quieter up t

came out into a moonlit private patio. In front of them, th

he strained small talk of the evening. A gentle wind pla

utiful," she looked o