THE CEO'S REDEMPTION

shouted, gently

!" I heard

d one problems. I genuinely want to cry, but I hav

After working six fluctuating jobs for the last four years, there's absolutely nothin

epped into the building. Flashing a glance at m

to start working. My pay is per hour, so I

g my wrist. I staggered back with my

azing into her eyes. I hav

ment." She breathed, pierc

hear my heart already thudding heavil

do not look healthy enough to stand before my customers. Understand? I'll cut you your pay check af

r her with tears running down my cheeks. She slammed her office door in my f

t its incessant buzzing that just interrupted my tho

on; I'll save your contact inform

e could be calling me; she may want more money or something stupid. I swiped

ng?" I asked, my eye

at's wrong with dad again!" She cont

call immediately, sprintin

gainst me and eventually filled my eyes with particles of dust from a Monday morning in a busy

I ran with him on my shoulders to my car. Slamming the door beh

I asked, trying t

mething, but all I heard was a loud thud. I rushed

ok at my father through the rear view mir

rey, just drive!" Asteria snapp

easing my speed until my eyes caught

hospital while I lifted my father to my shoul

atever. As they wheeled my father into the emergency room,

herself into my embrace. If she feels tired, then what

air with my hands. These lies we keep telling each other are, by

my arms, Asteria and I sat down, stil

three days ago, right?" Asteria started wiping her tears and draw

pered with my go-to fake smile

ed tones, her eyes lightening u

e I can make it back before my shift's over, or else I might not get paid." I

time? It's been an hour already." Asteria gro

three hours, so let's say I make it back an hour and forty minutes

esting her head on her palms

able to comprehend how exc

eyes, but whoever is calling my phone definitely has other plans for me. Grudgingl

rted, barely h

k, aggressively nicking into me. I sat up, su

answered back, try

gh? Listen here; I will be coming over this evening, and you best h

comfortable feeli

seconds after the call ended. I

lars from about two months ago, is finally ba

ll all my

ted Asteria's idea, approaching

ely, staggering wit

you now." She said this, gest

e and sanity in me ev

r at Asteria, who stared back, worried, wi

r, I walked briskly to the doc

e in?" I asked, knocking

." The doct

cented office of this tall, hands

int, please." I whispered,

afraid there wasn't