Wish Upon A Sunset

Good News & Bad Encounters

Emma

Coffee had been my mission that morning. As well as buying a coffee maker, so I wouldn't have to traipse across town for a shot of caffeine.

The sun warmed my chilled body as I made my way up Oak Street, basking in its faint glow as it struggled to break through the heavy clouds above. Puddles from the earlier rain shimmered off the asphalt, reflecting the sunlight in a blinding display. Breathing in the crisp late-morning air, I faintly detected the distant smell of coffee intertwined with the lingering scent of rain.

I quickened my pace.

Between recounting Grace's birth to Molly the previous day and having a brief conversation with my mom, memories filled my night, and I tossed and turned for hours before finally succumbing to sleep. My worry over my mom had haunted me the most last night. Every time I heard her slurred voice, the regret almost killed me.

Shaking the thought off before it could take hold, I smoothed my hand down the soft fabric of my new jacket and smiled to myself. I had already accomplished quite a bit that morning. Today was a day of celebration. My dad had arrived early that morning with my new debit card and it had felt great getting a hug from him - the first in several years. Unfortunately, we had only a few minutes to talk before I had to get ready for my first job interview.

I completed three interviews, plus met with my probation officer and renewed my driver's license. All before noon. I deserved caffeine in the biggest cup they had.

Despite feeling confident, most interviews had been disappointing. All morning, people had directed haughty looks, sneering faces, and nasty attitudes at me, which drained the little energy that I had. It was a major change to how people had approached me in the past and only one interviewer hadn't treated me like a criminal. All I wanted right now was a large cup of coffee and to forget who I was for just a little while.

As I crossed the street, I admired the surrounding architecture. This part of town had seen very little restoration since its establishment in the early nineteen hundreds. The storefronts, adorned with colorful awnings and weathered bricks, exuded a sense of timeless elegance. Each building seemed to whisper tales of bygone eras, holding on to an old-world charm.

A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves of the trees lining the streets, carrying with it the sound of laughter and conversation. A few people scurried about, their footsteps echoing softly against the concrete as they went about their day. Some lingered outside the shops, peering through the windows, while others chatted with neighbors as they passed by.

The storefronts themselves were a sight to behold, each one unique and inviting in its own way. From the bead shop with its display of uniquely crafted jewelry to the high-class clothing boutiques overflowing with luxuriant fabrics and silks, there was something for everyone in this charming part of town.

Stepping up onto the sidewalk outside a quaint little bakery, the phone in my pocket rang. Pulling it out, I saw it was Dr. Bader's office. I couldn't help the small smile that spread across my face. He had been the only kind face all morning.

Because of that, my expectations were high as I answered the phone. My stomach twisted with excitement as I said breathlessly, "Hello?"

"Hi! Is this Ms. Carter?" Said a friendly, female voice on the other end.

"Yes, this is her." I clenched my hand tight around the phone, and for a second, I worried the screen would crack. I forced myself to relax.

"This is Mrs. Bader, the office manager here at Dr. Bader's office." Mrs. Bader was the doctor's wife, and it was adorable that they worked together. "I just wanted to let you know that Dr. Bader wanted to offer you the job of medical biller, if you're still interested."