The Brightest Star

Chapter - One

I stared out of the restaurant window, lost in thoughts that haunted me. Rainy days like this always brought back memories...
My mind drifted to the nightmares that I never wanna believe once happened.......
I was 6 when my world fell apart. Mum's passing left a gaping for in my heart. Dad's affair with Susan begin long before mum's passing. Dad's love Susan grow stronger, while his love for mum and me withered.
After mum's death, dad didnt mourn . Faraway he saw that as an opportunity to fulfill his need to marry Susan.
Their marriage made the hole in my heart grow
At first, Susan seemed kind but slowly her mask started to slip away. Her words started to cut deep
'you are not good'
'why are you being a burden? '
'you are a bitch just like your mum's
For me who doesn't even know what the word " bitch " meant .
As time passed verbal abuse turned physical. It all started by discipline.
A slap for calling Susan by name
A shove for not washing clothes right.
Dad joined her
I leaned to hide, to suppress, to act!
School became my sanctuary but that didn't stay long
Seeing my sleepless eyes and redness on my cheek , Teachers would ask
'is everything ok ast home? '
A smile and a lie...
I pasted a bright smile on my face as customers flooded in
I flashed a warm smile at the harried mom ordering for her kids. "Two hot chocolates with whipped cream, coming right up!"

Next in line, a businessman rattled off his usual. "Large coffee, black, no sugar."

I efficiently processed each order, my smile never wavering.

But as the clock ticked closer to 5 p.m., my enthusiasm began to wane. Soon, I'd have to face Susan.
My eyes distracted for a moment, they fall on a man , tall wearing long winter coats... I cant help but stare but what am I supposed to do...

I continued taking orders.

"Hi, what can I get for you?" I asked a young couple.

As the line inched forward, the man waited patiently.

Finally, he stepped forward.

"What can I get for you?" I asked.

"Smile," he said.

I blinked, confused.

"Excuse me?"

He leaned in, his voice low. "You've been smiling at everyone else. I need one too."
I couldn't help but smiled, I guess it was a forced one

But as I met his gaze, something unexpected happened. My smile became genuine.

"What's your actual order?" I asked.

"Coffee, black. And another smile, please."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "You're pushing your luck."

"Can't help it," he replied.

As I processed his order, our eyes locked.

For a moment, I forgot about Susan and the impending dread.

"Here you go," I said.

"Thanks" He handed me a card. "In case you need someone to listen."

With that, he walked out into the rain-soaked evening.

The clock struck 5.

My shift was over.

My smile vanished.

Time to face Susan.