Beneath the Surface

chapter 7: troubling financial obligations

One night ..

Sarah sighed softly, glancing down at the stack of bills in front of her. She muttered to herself, "This is more than I anticipated. How am I going to cover all of this?"She rubbed her temples, continuing, "Every time I think I'm making progress, another bill comes up. It feels like I'm constantly playing catch-up."She looked around the bar, her thoughts racing. "I've got to find a way to manage this. Maybe I can pick up more shifts or find another side gig. Anything to ease this pressure."Taking a deep breath, she added, "One step at a time, Sarah. You'll get through this. Just keep pushing forward."

As Sarah wiped down the bar, her mind raced with worries. She muttered to herself, "This job is tough, but it's necessary. I need to keep it together."

She glanced around at the busy scene and sighed, "Even with the tips and the extra shifts, it feels like it's never enough."

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "I'm doing this for my family. It's the only way to ease the financial strain."

As she served another round of drinks, she whispered, "Just a few more hours. Focus on the job, and remember why you're here." She added softly, "It'll all work out. It has to."

She ran a hand through her hair, her brow furrowing deeper with each passing moment. "I thought this would help," she murmured to herself, her voice tinged with frustration. "But it's still not enough."

As she observed the lively scene around her-the clinking of glasses, the laughter of patrons-Sarah's thoughts drifted to her family and their mounting expenses. She knew she had to find a solution, and soon.

"I need to do more," she whispered determinedly, her gaze flickering back to the bills. "There has to be another way."

With a resolute nod, Sarah pushed her worries aside for the moment and returned to serving customers, her determination to overcome this latest challenge burning brighter than ever.

Earlier that week, her father's jeepney had broken down, leaving him unable to work until it was repaired. With her mother's recent illness and the hospital bills piling up, Sarah had used her savings, originally meant for tuition, to help pay for medical expenses.

Now, the final examination fees loomed ahead, a reminder of her academic goals and the financial strain they brought.

As she wiped down the counter, mixing drinks skillfully, Sarah's thoughts raced. She needed a solution-a way to earn more without compromising her studies or neglecting her family. She glanced at the clock nervously, knowing that time was running out to secure the funds needed for her exams. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on her shoulders, but her determination to succeed for her family's sake burned brighter than ever.

Chuck noticed Sarah's distant gaze as she leaned against the counter, absentmindedly polishing a cocktail glass. The usual lively banter between them had faded into an uneasy silence, punctuated only by the clinks of glasses and the low murmur of patrons.

"Sarah, what's on your mind?" Chuck asked gently, noticing her troubled expression.

Sarah sighed, glancing up at the ceiling as if searching for answers there.

"It's just... everything," she admitted softly. "My Papa's jeepney broke down again, Mama's still not well, and now I need to find a way to pay for my final exams."

Chuck nodded sympathetically, understanding the weight of her responsibilities.

"I'm sorry to hear that. It sounds like you've got a lot on your plate."

Sarah nodded, a mix of frustration and determination in her eyes. "I've been trying to juggle it all, but it's getting harder."

Chuck leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You know, if there's anything I can do to help-whether it's covering shifts or just talking things through-I'm here for you."