Fight for Normalcy

Lovie Armstrong is a 22-year-old unemployed woman who has been struggling with diabetes for as long as she can remember. It looked like every time she managed to control her blood sugar, something would happen that would throw her out of balance. Today was not different; she felt a familiar tightness in her chest, which seemed to blur at the edges of her vision. She sighed, leaning against the wall of the bedroom, wondering for the millionth time if her exes had cursed her or betrayed her.

She had a chocolate-skinned and flawless complexion and a tall and slim figure, accentuated by her beautiful black curly hair. However, beneath the surface, her body was in constant battle between insulin and sugar. Since she was ten years old, she has been a type 1 diabetic, and she does not seem to be letting up anytime soon. As if that wasn’t enough, she recently found that her ex-boyfriend Ace was cheating on her and giving her herpes.

Lovie sighed again and scratched her eyes. She hated that she could not keep a job for more than a few months. Her high blood sugar level made her odor unbearable, and she knew it was the real reason why she was still fired. No matter how hard she tried to control it, it seemed that her body was working against her. And what about her love life? Well, it was also a mess. She couldn’t help wondering if she was cursed or something.

She looked down at the phone, still asleep. It was late in the afternoon, and she was not even looking for a new job. She knew she had to get out there and make a change, but now she couldn’t have the energy to do anything. Maybe tomorrow, she thought, as she climbed back into bed and pulled the blanket over her head. Tomorrow will be a better day, will it?

As she lay there, she couldn’t help but think about her boyfriend, Anthony. He’s a Russian, tall and handsome, and he’s been successful in both modeling and comedy. He was exactly the opposite of Ace. Anthony accepted her for who she was, even if she had some shortcomings. When her blood sugar was low, he was patient with her, and he never made her feel bad about herself. However, he had his faults. Anthony was a little possessive at times, and he used to play mobile games for hours. But again, she can't get mad because she loves him way too much. When she is down, he knows exactly how to make her laugh and be a bit happy.

She closed her eyes and tried to sleep again, but with her bad insomnia, it was difficult, She couldn’t help but wonder what her mother would say about Anthony. Avery, her mom, was always quick to criticize and belittle her. She kept reminding her that she was fat and ugly, and that she would never do anything. She didn’t know what it was like to be in Lovie’s shoes. She wouldn’t know what it was like to live with diabetes. I had no idea what it was like to be cheated on and infected with an incurable disease. But she was always here, ready to judge and condemn. Lovie felt like she couldn’t do anything right in her mother’s eyes.

As she fell asleep, she hoped that tomorrow would bring better days. Maybe she’ll find a new job. Maybe she’ll be able to make her mother proud. Most importantly, she hoped Anthony would accompany her and support her every step of the way. Because without him, she didn’t know if she could do it on her own.

When Lovie woke up the following morning, she felt a little more driven and hopeful that she might use today to improve things. After taking a quick shower, she changed into a cute royal blue t-shirt, acid-washed jeans, and adorable brown boots. She also made sure she had something to eat and took her insulin before leaving the house, since she occasionally forgot to do so. She smiled confidently in the mirror for the first time in years. Taking a deep breath, she got ready for the day as she stepped out the door. She was full of hope for herself today. The sun shone brightly, and the air was crisp as she walked to the nearest coffee shop.

​​​​​​​She needed to find a job, and she knew she couldn’t do it alone. Anthony supported her in the past, but she wanted to prove to herself that she could be independent and self-sufficient. She sipped her coffee, pulled out her cell phone, and started looking for a job.

After hours of searching and applying, Lovie finally found a job that would be perfect for her. It was in a small bakery downtown, and the owner was very nice. She was supposed to have an interview later that afternoon. She could not help but feel a surge of confidence and excitement. Maybe that’s it. Maybe it’s it. It might be. This could be her first fresh start.

Lovie went to the bakery, took a deep breath, and walked into the bakery. The smell of freshly baked bread and pastries filled the air and made her stomach growl. She introduced herself to the owner, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile and a good face. They sat down at a small table in the back, and the interview went well. The owner was impressed with her experience and passion for baking and even complimented her work.

As Lovie walked out of the bakery, she felt the weight lifting her shoulders. She did it. She got the job. The next time she sees Anthony, she’ll get some good news. And maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up for her.

She walked along the street, taking in the sights and sounds of the metropolis. The air had a fresher scent, and the sun was shining brighter now. She believed she could take on the world, how happy she felt, she let out a reliving sigh.

She nearly bumped into someone as she turned the corner. “Oh, hey, i'm sorry,” she said, looking up at her former high school best friend, Amy. Despite the fact that they haven’t seen one another in years, they remain connected on social media. Amy has consistently offered encouragement and support.

“You’re OK, Lovie! It’s pleasant to meet you! You look fantastic!“Amy hugged her and smiled at her. Lovie felt a little self-conscious and flushed. She had shed a significant amount of weight since their last encounter and had managed to maintain her figure with exercise here and there.

“Thanks, Amy. Well, I’ve been doing better. I just got a new job in a bakery downtown today. I’m going to start tomorrow!" She couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. Amy squealed with delight and hugged her again. “That’s fantastic, Lovie! You’d be amazing at it, you always cook up the meanest food to carry to school.”

They spent the next hour catching up over coffee and pastries. Amy told her about her new job at a marketing firm and how much she loved it. They talked about their friends from high school, reminiscing about the good times and laughing about the stupid things they’d done and many things they regretted.

As they continued to chat, Lovie felt a sense of peace wash over her. It was nice to have a friend who believed in her and supported her no matter what. “Hey, Lovie, I have to ask,” Amy said, her face turning serious. “What about Anthony? How are things with you two?”

Lovie sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Well, you know how things were. We’ve been talking, but it’s been hard. I love him and all, but I can't tell if he does love me back, you know?” She took a sip of her coffee, her mind drifting back to the memories they shared. “I’ve been focusing on myself and my new job, and he’s been doing the same. We’re both trying to move forward, trying to fix our broken love, but hopefully we can be back on the same level because I really love him.”

Amy nodded in understanding. “That’s good to hear. Sometimes you just need that space to figure things out. i'm sure you guys will work out I'm positive he loves you so please dont give up.” She paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “So, what are your plans for tonight? Want to grab dinner or something?”

Lovie smiled, feeling grateful for Amy’s support. “I actually have plans with a group of friends from work tonight. We’re going to try this new Thai restaurant downtown. It sounds amazing!” She paused, considering Amy’s offer. “But if you’re free tomorrow night, we could always grab dinner then?”

Amy’s face lit up. “That sounds perfect! I’d love to catch up with you tomorrow.” They finished their coffee and gathered their things. As they walked down the street, Lovie couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. It was nice to have someone to talk to, someone who understood her and was there for her.

They parted ways with plans to meet again soon, and Lovie continued on her way, feeling lighter than she had in a long time. Her new job had a great start, she had a supportive friend like Amy, and she was beginning to rediscover who she was. It was all starting to feel like a fresh start, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was truly moving forward.

As she turned the corner, she spotted a small antique store, she’d never been in one before, but it caught her eye, and she found herself drawn to it. On a whim, she decided to go in. Inside, the store was filled with beautiful vintage furniture and knick-knacks. She wandered around for a while, admiring the items. She paused in front of a large, ornate mirror, running her fingers over the wooden frame.

“That’s a really beautiful piece,” a soft voice said from behind her. She turned to see the elderly owner of the store, a kind-looking woman with wrinkled skin and sparkling eyes. “You seem to have quite the eye for it. Are you an antique enthusiast as well?”

Surprised yet startled by the compliment, Lovie smiled. She told the woman her name and explained that she had just come to the city for a job and was still exploring. The owner introduced herself as Mrs. Jenkins, and they spent the next few minutes talking about her favorite items in the store.

As they chatted, Lovie couldn't help but notice a small, intricately carved wooden box on the shelf behind Mrs. Jenkins. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before, and she found herself drawn to it. She pointed it out to the owner, asking if it had any particular significance or history.

Ms. Jenkins smiled, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, that is a special piece, indeed. It was crafted by my great-grandfather, who was a sailor in the early 1900s. He brought it back with him from his travels, and it has been in my family ever since. The carvings on the lid represent the four winds, and it's said to bring good fortune to its owner."

Lovie was captivated by the story and the box's unique beauty. She couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to own such a meaningful and historic item. As she continued to talk to Mrs. Jenkins, she found herself becoming more and more enchanted by the old woman's stories and the items in the store. Eventually, their conversation turned to Mrs. Jenkins' own life and travels. She shared stories of her childhood in the countryside and her adventures abroad, Lovie found herself completely absorbed in the old woman's words, feeling a sense of calmness around her.

As the afternoon wore on, the sun began to dip low in the sky, casting a warm golden light through the store's dusty windows. Lovie reluctantly realized that she would have to leave soon. With a sigh, she thanked Mrs. Jenkins for her time, told her she had fun, and made her way toward the exit. "Oh, before you go," the old woman called after her, "I've been meaning to ask. What is it that you love about antiques, dear?"

Lovie paused in the doorway, considering the question. "I think it's the history, the stories behind each piece can sometimes be really fascinating, and some can be really scary. Every item in here has a story to tell, and I find that very interesting. It's like holding onto a piece of the past." She smiled at the old woman, who nodded in understanding.

"I see. Well, perhaps you'll come back and visit us again sometime, and we can share more stories together." Mrs. Jenkins' eyes twinkled with mischief. "Who knows? Maybe you'll find something here that speaks to you, and helps you write your own chapter in life." Lovie laughed and promised that she would one day, before stepping out onto the bustling street. She took a deep breath, feeling invigorated and inspired by her impromptu visit to the place. Maybe there was something special waiting for her out there, something that would help her find her work comfortable here.

As she continued to walk, lost in thought, she realized that she had missed her stop and was now several blocks away from her apartment. With a small groan, "Unbelievable, this is what happens when you literally have ADHD," she sighed and turned around, She headed back in the direction she came. As she walked, she found herself humming a familiar tune, one that seemed to be stuck in her head. It was a happy, upbeat melody, and it made her feel lighter than air. She couldn't quite place it, but it was a song she knew she had heard somewhere before.