Chapter 1
Violet Wagner had always been a quiet girl. With her delicate pale skin, wide innocent blue eyes, and hair that cascaded down to her knees, she seemed like a fragile porcelain doll. But beneath that fragile exterior was a heart as resilient as steel.
Her parents had died when she was just a child, leaving her orphaned and vulnerable. The orphanage she ended up in was no place for a kind soul like hers. The matron was stern, the other children were cruel, and Violet often found solace in the dusty old library where she could lose herself in the pages of forgotten tales.
It was there that she met Mirella, a young lady with curly black hair and big, dark brown eyes. Mirella had a soft and delicate appearance, but her personality was anything but fragile. She was kind and caring, always looking out for others, especially Violet. They became inseparable, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.
Mirella was often the voice of reason, advising Violet to do the right thing even when it was difficult. But she could also be fiercely protective and possessive of her friend. When the older boys at the orphanage taunted Violet, Mirella would step in, her eyes flashing with determination.
As the years went by, Violetβs dreams grew bigger. She longed for a life beyond the orphanage walls, a place where she could spread her wings and find her purpose. When she turned nineteen, she made a decision. She would leave the orphanage behind and seek her fortune in the bustling city of New York.
With Mirella by her side, Violet graduated from the orphanage high school. They packed their meager belongings and set off for the big city. The noise, the lights, the sheer magnitude of New York overwhelmed Violet, but she held Mirellaβs hand tightly, drawing strength from her unwavering presence.
They found a small rented apartment in a rundown building. Violet took up a job as a waitress in a cozy cafΓ©, while Mirella worked as a receptionist at a nearby clinic. Their days were filled with hustle and bustle, but they always made time for each other.
In the evenings, they would sit on their tiny balcony, sipping coffee and sharing their dreams. Violet dreamed of becoming a writer, penning stories that would touch peopleβs hearts. Mirella wanted to study medicine, to heal those in need. They laughed, they cried, and they promised to support each other no matter what.
And so, in the heart of the city that never slept, Violet Wagner began her new life. The fragility of her appearance belied the strength within her. With Mirella by her side, she faced the challenges of the bustling metropolis, her blue eyes shining with determination.
As the sun dipped below the skyscrapers, casting a warm glow on their little balcony, Violet whispered to her best friend, βMirella, this is just the beginning. Our dreams are waiting for us out there.β
Mirella smiled, her dark eyes reflecting the city lights. βYes, Violet. And together, weβll conquer them all.β
βViolet, youβre going to be an amazing writerβ¦,β Mirella said, her voice filled with conviction.
βI hope so,β Violet replied, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. βBut sometimes, I feel like Iβm still that fragile girl from the orphanage.β
βYouβre not,β Mirella said firmly. βYouβre stronger than you know. And Iβll be right here, cheering you on.β
βAlways?β Violet asked, her eyes searching Mirellaβs face.
βAlways,β Mirella promised, squeezing her friendβs hand.
The days in New York blurred into a whirlwind of activity for Violet Wagner. The cafΓ© where she worked as a waitress became her second home. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee clung to her clothes, and the clatter of plates and chatter of customers filled her ears. But it was a welcome change from the sterile walls of the orphanage.
Mirella, her ever-loyal friend, had found a job at a nearby clinic. She would come by the cafΓ© during Violetβs lunch break, her eyes wide with curiosity as she listened to Violetβs tales of the city. Mirella was fascinated by the diversityβthe people from all walks of life who streamed past their little apartment window.
βTell me about the writers,β Mirella would say, leaning in closer. βDo they wear tweed jackets and carry leather-bound notebooks?β
Violet would laugh, her blue eyes dancing. βSome do, but most are just like you and me. Passionate dreamers, scribbling away in crowded cafΓ©s or tucked into cozy corners of libraries.β
And so, Violet wrote for fun. She penned stories of love and loss, of forgotten places and hidden treasures. Her fingers danced across the keyboard, weaving magic into every word. Mirella would read her drafts, her eyes shining with pride.
βYouβre going to be famous someday,β Mirella declared one evening, perched on the edge of Violetβs bed. βI can feel it.β
Violet blushed, her heart swelling. βMaybe. But right now, Iβm just happy to be here, creating something.β
Their apartment was tiny, but it held their dreams. The walls were adorned with fairy lights, casting a warm glow over mismatched furniture. Violetβs hairbrush doubled as a microphone when she sang along to old records, and Mirella would join in, her voice sweet and melodic.
On weekends, they explored the city. They rode the subway to Central Park, where Violet marveled at the green expanseβthe trees stretching toward the sky, the joggers weaving through the paths. Mirella would pack a picnic, and theyβd sit on a patch of grass, sharing stories and laughter.
βRemember the orphanage?β Mirella said one day, her gaze distant. βWeβve come so far, Violet.β
Violet nodded, her throat tight. βWe have. And weβll keep going.β
But life wasnβt all sunshine and coffee. Bills piled up, and sometimes Violet wondered if her dreams were too big. Sheβd find herself standing on their balcony, staring at the city lights, wondering if she was enough.
Mirella would wrap her arms around her, whispering, βYouβre more than enough, Violet. Youβre a force of nature.β
And so, they persevered. Violetβs stories found their way into literary magazines, and Mirella aced her medical exams. They celebrated each otherβs victoriesβthe first paycheck, the first patient saved. Their bond grew stronger, unbreakable.
As winter settled over the city, Violet served cafΓ© to one customer, smiling radiantly as always. The radiator hummed, and snowflakes danced outside their window of the cafe.
And in those quiet moments, when the city slept, Violet knew she was exactly where she was meant to be. With Mirella by her side, she was no longer the fragile girl from the orphanage. She was a dreamer,
βViolet, do you think weβll ever find our own new families, where we will find out soul mates and have kids with them?β Violet asked one night.
βMaybe,β Mirella replied softly. βBut until then, we have each other.β βLets get to sleep, Violet. Tomorrow is my another day of work at the cafeβ excitedly said Mirella, in reply Violet nodded and both went to bed.
The cafΓ© buzzed with activity as Violet stepped inside, her heart fluttering. The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans enveloped her, and she took a deep breath. The bell above the door jingled, announcing her arrival.
Mrs. Thompson, the cafΓ© owner, greeted her with a warm smile. βWelcome, Violet! Ready for another day?β
Violet nodded, her palms slightly sweaty. She donned the crisp white apron, feeling a sense of purpose settle over her. The other wait staffβSam, a lanky guy with a perpetual grin, and Maria, who juggled trays like a proβwaved at her.
βTables one through five are yours,β Mrs. Thompson said. βRemember, be friendly, take orders efficiently, and donβt spill coffee on anyone. I know you have been working here for few weeks now but still just reminding youβ
Violetβs knees wobbled as she approached her first table. A couple sat there, engrossed in conversation. She cleared her throat. βGood morning! Iβm Violet, your server. Can I start you off with some coffee?β
The woman smiled. βTwo lattes, please.β
Violet scribbled the order on her notepad, her handwriting a tad shaky. She rushed to the espresso machine, fumbling with the buttons. Sam leaned over. βEasy there, Violet. Steamed milk, double shot, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Did you forget again?β
Violet nodded, her cheeks flushing. She prepared the lattes, the milk frothing perfectly. As she placed the cups on the tray, she caught sight of Mirella sitting at a corner table, reading a journal. Her best friend winked, silently cheering her on.
Table two was a family with two kids. Violet juggled crayons, menus, and spilled juice. By table three, sheβd mastered the art of balancing plates. The lunch rush hit, and Violet darted between tables, taking orders, refilling water glasses, and delivering steaming plates of sandwiches.
At table five, an elderly man sat alone, his eyes distant. Violet approached him gently. βSir, can I get you something?β
He blinked, then smiled. βA black coffee, dear. And a slice of apple pie.β
Violet returned with the coffee, the aroma comforting. βHere you go. My favorite pie.β
His eyes softened. βThank you, Violet.β
As the day wore on, Violetβs nerves settled. She laughed with customers, learned their names, and even the cute guy at table four tried to flirt with her but she politely ignored. Mirella popped by during her break, sipping a latte. βYouβre a natural,β she said.
Violet grinned. βI survived.β
When her shift ended, Mrs. Thompson patted her back. βGreat job, Violet. See you tomorrow.β
Outside, the city lights sparkled. Violet leaned against the cafΓ© wall, breathing in the chilly air. Sheβd spilled a little coffee, mixed up orders, but sheβd also made people smile. And that, she decided, was a good start.
Mirella joined her, linking arms.β We rock every momentβ in return Violet smiled.
On Monday, Violet woke up to the soothing sound of her alarm clock. She rolled out of bed, stretched her limbs, and wandered over to the mirror.
She took one look at her pale, almost ethereal appearance, and immediately frowned. βI need an overhaul,β she mumbled to herself.
She poured herself a cup of coffee from her little machine and sat down at the small kitchen table. βThe first week wasnβt so bad,β she said to herself. βIβm not as awkward as I thought Iβd be.β
She sipped her coffee, contemplating her appearance again. βBut I could use some help.β She groaned, pushing her hair out of her face to reveal bright blue eyes and pale cheeks. βI look like a ghost.β
With a yawn, Violet drained her coffee cup and turned to Mirella, who had just entered the kitchen.
βYou look tired.β Mirella said sympatheticly, fixing her hair in a ponytail.
βIt was a long week.β Violet replied, sighing.
Mirella sighed as well. βYeah, it was a long week for me too.β










