After Highschool

The golden rays illuminated the cracks in the plaster walls, highlighting the peeling paint and the clutter of worn-out textbooks on her desk. It was a Sat

Kneeling beside her bed, she folded her hands in prayer, whispering softly for strength

ner had reluctantly agreed to hire her just for the weekend today afternoon and tomorrow night for a meager pay of fifty dollars

ashing cold water on her face in an attempt to shake off the remnants of sleep. Her reflection in the mirro

tered kitchen, Alex stood at the stove, spatula in hand, flipping eggs with an intensity that was rare fo

as she approached, tying her

idn't think you'd wake up this early on a Sat

ere today?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously. It wasn'

.. I was hoping you could help me out," he began cautiously. "I need

job, I'll give you the money," she promised, heading towards the corner where they kept the broo

es were weary, framed by dark circles that hinted at sleepless nights. Her

," Ashley and Alex

ell." She reached into her worn handbag, pulling out the crumpled bills she had managed

ely more than a breath. "Your father... he'l

knew what her mother feared her father's addiction had nearly destroyed them countless times. This was

*

finished cleaning. She took a quick shower, letting the cold water wash away the grime and fatigue. She dr

ped up her portion onto a small plate and sat down to eat, savoring the rare treat of a hot breakfast. Ju

he smell of stale cigarettes and cheap alcohol clung to him like a second

, his voice low and raspy, as i

tly, not bothering to lo

itable confrontation. But before she could swallow her last bite, he

" he demanded, his tone growing more aggress

to meet his gaze. "I didn't get anything from her,

r a quick look of support. "Yeah, Dad, she didn'

oused hands wrapping around her throat. The world tilted as she struggled to breathe, his grip tightening

screamed at her to give in, to hand over the money and end the torment, but Ale

"If Ashley had the money, she would've given

d, and he released her, his expression wavering between anger and exhaustion. H

begged, dropping to his knees. "I promise I'll stop this

had heard them all before each one as hollow as the last. The image of him swearing he

oice filled with a sorrow she couldn't h

eave, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. She knew he wouldn't give up easily; he'd b

lex muttered, shaking his head as

e couldn't afford to dwell on her father's broken promises. "I need to get going," she said

*

down on her chest. But she squared her shoulders and kept walking. Today wasn't

t she was determined to make it on time. Fifty dollars might not

she prayed that maybe, just maybe, this smal