Beyond The Envy

With a resolute thought, she declared, I'm going to make a living. Her ambition extended beyond personal gain; she aimed to demonstrate to her father that there were better alternatives to drowning sorrows in alcohol.

Upon arriving home, she discreetly stowed her bike, ensuring her father remained unaware of her newfound venture.

In her room, Hester marveled at the change in atmosphere. Father shouldn't know about the money; he might ask me to buy beer with it... Beer is so expensive. Fearing that her father would misuse the funds, she resolved to keep her enterprise a secret, acknowledging the importance of this hidden endeavor. With a lifted spirit, she twirled and danced in her room, shedding the lingering sadness of the previous nights.

Several years had elapsed, and Hester's business was thriving. At nearly 18, she owned a modest enterprise, initially borne out of crafting gifts for her father adorned with photos of her late mother. A transformative moment unfolded one morning when she caught her father constructing a shelf for these cherished mementos. The display of her mother's memories in their living room had acted as a powerful catalyst, inspiring her father to overcome his struggles with alcohol. The journey was far from easy, yet change had undeniably occurred, altering her father's destiny.

In the course of time, Hester formed a friendship with Loui James, a kindred spirit with a shared background of fractured families. However, beneath the surface of their camaraderie, an undercurrent of envy emanated from Loui. Despite their bonding over broken parental relationships, Loui found herself increasingly isolated, her mother's fate untouched by positive change. Alone with her grief, a sense of desolation fueled a burgeoning desire for revenge within Loui's shattered soul.

One day, as Hester and Loui gathered shells on the beach for Hester's flourishing business, Loui remarked on its success, addressing Hester as "Star." Hester gently corrected her, emphasizing that it was their business. Loui, reflecting on the transformation in Hester's father's life, couldn't help but express admiration for the positive impact of Hester's initiative. However, the revelation of a confession loomed, and Hester's concern deepened.

Before Loui could disclose her confession, a sudden disturbance interrupted their conversation — a portal materialized, swiftly ensnaring Loui before she could utter a word. Shocked, Hester found herself being pulled in as well, though the force was not an arm like her friend experienced. Fight or flight kicking in, Hester ran as quick as she coul out of portal, realizing her friend wasn't behind, beside, nor in front of her. Breathless and shaky, she attempted to run back through the portal, calling out to Loui, but the sight that met her eyes was not her friend. Instead, she found herself in a vast and modern mall with striking red streaks and checkered floors, prompting her to exclaim, "What in the fu—."