Price of Love

TER

OF RESPON

s of the day ahead. After a quick shower, I

ing, David!" I chirped, wrappi

tfit was essential for my job search. My high school diploma

rmarket or a diner, where most of my frie

e accident, and its aftermath had left me emotionally di

eeved shirt and a black skirt, insp

myself, adjusting my collar and sli

ated, "I've got this," until I felt a flicker of confidence. Wit

bye. "Good luck!" Mum called after me

ve of uncertainty washed over me. "Where to now?" I

wanted" sign. An opening pastries store caught my e

oking for a job," I asked, flashing

sank in, but I pressed on, telling myself that fi

ed to rest under a nearby tree. I was ready to call it a day when, out

n etched across her features. I shared my job-hunting st

she suggested, offering her hand to pull

I exclaimed, feeling revitalized as we

y-customers were chatting, waiters rushed abou

oticed the time-it wasn't e

ime." A plan started to form in my mind: I could take on m

ruff voice invited us in. Mr. Penny, a rugged

hrough his desk for a job application. I shot a glance at Sarah, whose encour

ust agreed to but tru

Penny instructed after stamping the pa

g my courage, I interjected, "Can you increase it to ten dollars an hour?"

ng serious. "I don't even make that much

nny then instructed her to fetch my uniform and get to work. Once in th

s, delivering food, and ensuring that cus

; I was constantly on my feet, serving tables

d me with a smile. "For your first time, you're doing great! Ju

g it to move faster. When the night shift staff began ar

thought of finally resting felt heavenly. I looked for Sarah in t

ome," she suggested, and I eagerly

dded, her eyes twinkling with excitement. I couldn'

ts for dinner-I could provide for my

he warm glow of streetlights, Sarah

ted, "It's on me." Reluctantly, I accepted her generosity, my tho

t, I hesitated to ask how sh

g to college soon. Why the job search?" The embarrass

nd how the responsibility of caring for my family fell solely o

? Why aren't you planning on going to college?" Sarah disclosed her own str

ng for her little brother. I was

" I pressed in disbelief. With a playful grin, she respond

the food, deciding not to pry f