elt like a heavy weight on her chest. She thought about her mother's struggles, working multiple jobs to provide for their family

t she couldn't afford to take a cab to work. She lived only 10 minutes away, but the walk seemed like an eternity as she

as met with a chorus of snickers and whispers from her coworkers. They seemed to be reveling in her misfortune,

esterday?" one coworker said, chuckling.

new one," another replied, gigglin

her work, but the whispers and snickers continued throughout the day. Ever

she was struggling to keep up. The tasks were menial and unfulfilling, and she felt like she was wast

f paperwork and deadlines. Her mind wandered to her financial struggles, and the weight of her responsibili

in the break room, hoping to make some friends. They chatted about their weekends and families, but when Ava tried to join in, they seemed hesitant to in

impse of Caleb's stern demeanor, and she didn't want to cross him. The

never knowing when Caleb would pounce on her again. And then, just as she was starting to make progress, Caleb stormed out of his

er screen. "I'm sorry, sir. I'm still working on it. I know

u mean you're still working on it?" he repeated, his tone dripping with disdain. "Didn

anxiety, her mind racing with excuses and explanations. But she knew better than to speak

nment, and I expect my employees to deliver. Do I make myself clear? I

ir. I understand." She knew she had let him down, and

w she had to do better, but the pressure was suffocating her. As she worked on the report, her mind wandered to her financial struggl

er knowing when Caleb would pounce on her again. She left the office at the end of the day, feeling drained and defeated. The walk home wa