You'll let me hold your hand

"When I tell you that something, I hope you understand"

"Good morning, this is Chan Ma-rin of KJH, a subsidiary company of YG Entertainment. I'm calling to reach Clara Winslow. Is this she?'

"Yes, this is she."

"Ms. Winslow, we have reviewed your application and would like to proceed with your security check, given that you accept our job offer. Should you accept, you will be tasked with watching and caring for your employer. That includes ensuring he receives 3 balanced meals a day as well as 2 snacks and performs proper exercise as well as aiding in improving and monitoring his mental and emotional state. Is this something you are interested in and capable of doing?

"Yes, Mrs. Chan. As you know I have prior experience in care taking as well as being certified in CPR. I was studying both child psychology and early childhood education at the University of Michigan prior to taking my gap year. I would be delighted to accept your offer."

"Yes," Ma-rin breathed. "Your resume shows that you are more than qualified for this position. We are excited to have you here at KJH. We already have an employer in mind for you, but need to have you interact with the family prior to placing you permanently. KJH stands by its promise of ensuring the right fit for our patrons. When will you be available to come to Korea?"

"As soon as I am able to break my lease. I have already spoken with my landlord and let him know that I would most likely be moving out soon. All I have to do now is let him know my move out date and place my belongings in storage."

"Yes, and how long will that take you?"

Clara spared the calendar on the armoire a glance. "A week, at the most."

"Perfect," Mrs. Chan exclaimed. "I had already taken the liberty of beginning your background check, so it should only be a few more days. We can have you here in Korea in less than a week. Please check your email promptly as I will be sending your ticket electronically. Also, please send us your direct deposit information in an encrypted email. We will be sending you a subsidy for your moving fees and any fees for severing your leasing agreement early. If that is not enough to cover your fees, please let us know and send us an invoice."

"I will, Mrs. Chan. Thank you so much for the job offer. I really appreciate it and I will be in constant contact with you. Is this the number I should use to contact you in the future?"

"Yes, Ms. Winslow. This is my direct number, but you can also contact 010-XXX-XXX and give them extension code 5619. I will be calling you tomorrow to confirm your flight information."

"Alright, thank you, Mrs. Chan. I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow. Goodbye."

Clara clicked off the line. She stared out into the dark corners of the room, clenching her phone so tightly that her knuckles were pale. How can this be, she thought to herself. God has blessed me. Everything lately has been so wrong, but somehow, someway, someone somewhere has given me chance. You can't blow it this time, Clara.

The sun rose outside the window. The room was cast in the blue light of early morning. Clara watched the light for a few minutes more as she wiped the tears from her eyes. Finally, a light shone in the darkness.

Eventually, Clara found the strength to release her phone and placed it back on the wooden frame to the left of her. She shimmied and rolled over as best she could in the twin XL bed she was sharing with her best friend.

"Naomi, wake up!"

"Huh," Naomi sighed and adjusted silk headwrap, squinting her eyes in the morning light. "What's gotten into you? It's early as hell and I don't have class until 11:30 today, you know that."