Chasing Destiny

1

Misty sighed as she emptied her purse and counted all her money inside.

$20 and 75 cents.

She counted it again.

$20 and 75 cents.

"Damn it." Misty groaned as she realized the little amount of money she had on her. Choosing instead to skip lunch Misty placed her money back into her pocket and walked out of the cafe.

She would go hungry again.

Misty began to walk back to her daily work which was to work in the city's newspaper. As soon as she stepped afoot within the big building she was piled with paperwork.

Even though she was still on her lunch break.

As the hours passed, Misty's eyes began to grow bigger bag eyes and it didn't help that her co-workers wouldn't stop yelling at her. Telling her how slow she was at her job and shit like that.

Finally 4:30 pm rolled in.

"Yes!" Misty mentally yelled as she rapidly grabbed her coat and ran out of the building.

Free at last.

As soon as Misty stepped out of the building she breathed in heavily and admired the gorgeous view of the city. The way the trees softly ruffled against one another and how the dark gloomy sky sang a sad melancholy song to the city. Ah yes. This was Portland alright.

Misty began to walk slowly to her next destination and took her time admiring the old architectures of the city and the numerous fountains where children splashed and played in. No matter how long she lived here every day still felt like her first day in this beautiful calm city.

"Ah, Ms. Waterflower you're here! We'll go get Lloyd."

Misty smiled before she sat down on one of the office chairs and began to thank the heavens that it was Friday.

Before Misty could check outside the window and admire the city's bridges Lloyd came running towards her with full speed.

"Mom!"

Misty smiled as she opened her arms and grabbed Lloyd before spinning him around.

"Hey, kiddo! Ready to go home?"

"Yeah!" Lloyd yelled happily before he waved goodbye to the staff and grabbed his Mom's hand.

As they exited the school's campus Misty ruffled her son's hair.

"How was school dear?"

"Great. Today in class we talked about what we wanted to be when we grow up."

"Oh yeah? What do you want to be Lloyd?"

"I don't know," Lloyd answered as he admired the trees that they both walked by.

"What did kids in your class say?"

"There was this boy who said he wanted to be a comedian like his idol."

"Who's his idol? Adam Sandler?" Misty joked as she and Lloyd continued to walk through the calm isolated streets of Portland.

"No. Brock Harrison. The guy who hosts The Late Late Show with Señor Brock." Lloyd replied grinning.

"Oh.." Misty replied nodding silently. During the rest of the walk back home she is silent, letting her son talk about the rest of his day, only nodding or smiling at times to him.

Lloyd was fast asleep on the couch snuggled against Misty. She turned the television volume down and softly moved her son to his bedroom. Although it was barely 6:00 pm Lloyd was already knocked out.

After arriving at their tiny apartment Misty gave him a bath and after that let him play with his toys as she cooked for him dinner. After dinner Misty made sure Lloyd finished all of his weekend homework while she did the bills.

After both of them finished their tasks Lloyd requested to snuggle with his mother to which Misty immediately agreed to.

Misty made her way to the kitchen counter to serve herself some coffee and saw the picture that Lloyd drew for her. It was both of them in their cozy apartment. Misty smiled sadly at the picture and let the silent tears fall down her eyes.

"I'm sorry Lloyd. So deeply sorry." Misty whispered as she softly traced Lloyd's picture.

She was broke and alone. She was a single mother and made below the poverty line. However, her life was a beautiful mess thanks to Lloyd. Her extraordinary son. The joy of her life.

Misty walked towards her apartment's huge window and was captivated by the breathtaking scenery of the city. Rain began to pour down rapidly and wildly against her window but here she was, inside and cozy.

Misty closed her eyes and stayed silent, only listening to the soft tapping of the rain.