CSI San Antonio

10

The brief elevator ride felt like a moment of reflection for Victoria. As the doors slid open, they stepped into HR, where a friendly woman greeted them with a smile. After a few minutes of paperwork and confirming her details, Victoria held her pass in her hand, the plastic card feeling significant, as if it were a key to a new chapter in her life.

“Is there anything else you want to ask?” Alan asked, his eyes searching hers. “Are you ready to start tomorrow?”

“Everything seems clear for now,” Victoria replied, slinging her purse over her shoulder, the weight of it a reminder of her responsibilities. “We’ll see how the shift goes tomorrow. Thanks for the tour and your help today.” She felt a flutter of gratitude mixed with lingering curiosity about him.

“See you tomorrow,” she called out, her voice echoing slightly as the elevator doors began to close.

“See you,” Alan responded, a hint of something unspoken in his tone. Victoria caught a glimmer of emotion in his eyes—was it anticipation? Perhaps even a trace of longing? But before she could decipher it, the doors slid shut, cutting off their connection.

Inside the elevator, Victoria finally allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. The familiar scent of polished metal and faint cologne surrounded her as she leaned against the cool wall, pushing aside thoughts of their past encounter. She needed to focus on the tasks ahead.

As the elevator descended, her mind shifted to more practical matters. She needed to head to the supermarket to buy food for dinner and supplies for tomorrow’s shift. It wouldn’t hurt to cook a little extra so that Samantha would have dinner ready when she returned from her own shift at seven in the evening. “I’ll need to make something quick but filling,” she thought, mentally flipping through easy recipes in her mind.

Victoria’s heart raced at the thought of the busy day ahead. Her new role promised challenges, but she was determined to embrace them. She imagined stepping into the lab tomorrow, surrounded by her new colleagues, and contributing to their work. “This is it,” she told herself, “a fresh start.”

As the elevator doors opened with a soft ding, she stepped out into the parking garage, her heart full of hope. She would face whatever lay ahead with courage and determination. After all, she was ready for this new chapter in her life, and with each step toward the supermarket, she felt a little more at home in San Antonio.

Tomorrow morning, Victoria and Samantha would go to the school to take care of the necessary documents. The thought of a fresh start filled Victoria with both excitement and anxiety as she drove home.

On her way home, she decided to stop at a local grocery store. The familiar sight of the neon "Open" sign drew her in, and she navigated through the aisles, filling her cart with essentials. She selected a loaf of fresh bread, a package of lean meat for dinner, crispy fries, a couple of frozen pizzas, creamy butter, and assorted cold cuts. In the beauty aisle, she paused to grab some cosmetics—a small indulgence for herself amid the chaos of moving. After about forty minutes of shopping, she loaded her car, the trunk filled with bags, and headed home.

When she arrived, she parked in the driveway and took a moment to gaze at the house. The evening sun cast a warm golden hue over the exterior, and for a brief moment, Victoria felt a wave of hope wash over her. This would be her new life, she thought, but doubt crept in as she wondered if she had the courage to tell Alan about their fifteen-year-old daughter. Sighing heavily, she shook off the feeling, reminding herself that she had made this choice for a reason. With resolve, she got out of the car, grabbed her shopping bags, and walked inside.

Victoria stepped into the kitchen, a bright, airy space with windows that let in the soft glow of the setting sun. She placed her groceries on the counter, the familiar clatter of items breaking the silence of the home. Before settling down, she headed toward the pool, drawn by the sound of splashing water.

Samantha was sitting in a lounge chair beside the pool, engrossed in a book, her damp hair glistening in the sunlight as it dripped water onto the deck. Victoria couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her daughter looking so content.

“Hey, Sammy,” Victoria called softly, not wanting to startle her.

Samantha looked up, her face breaking into a bright smile. “Hey, Mom! How was it at the office?”

“It was good,” Victoria replied as she took a seat beside her daughter, the warmth of the sun enveloping her like a comforting blanket. “Everyone seems nice, and the place is very well-equipped.”

Samantha’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she leaned forward. “How was your swim?”

“It was great! The pool is amazing,” she said, her voice light with excitement. “Did you get everything we need?”

“Yes, I did,” Victoria answered, her heart swelling with warmth as she watched Samantha’s eagerness. “I’ll start on dinner soon. Tomorrow morning, we’ll go to school to take care of your documents.”

Samantha nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. “Okay, Mom. Thanks.”

Feeling a wave of love and gratitude, Victoria watched her daughter, her heart full. She knew there would be challenges ahead, but for now, she chose to focus on these small victories—the laughter, the sunshine, and the peaceful moments in their new home. The journey was just beginning, and she was determined to make it a beautiful one for both of them.