Chapter 1
“We feel at a loss to be losing one of our best students, Ms. Abrams, but we sincerely hope you’ll get through this and return to finish your education someday,” Mrs. Smith says, her tone void of genuine concern.
I offer a small, tight-lipped smile, unsure what else to say. Deep down, I know she doesn’t care what happens to me. I stand, forcing politeness as I say goodbye and leave her office.
The cold hallway feels unwelcoming as I walk through it one last time. I glance around at the familiar walls, the rows of lockers, the bulletin board plastered with announcements. This is the last time I’ll be here as a student.
The realization hits me like a blade to the chest: I’m a dropout.
The shame sits heavy in my stomach, twisting into knots. The hunger gnawing at me only makes it worse. The last bit of money in my pocket forces a cruel decision—food or heating for my tiny, rundown apartment? The cold in my flat is biting, but the thought of an empty stomach feels worse.
After much deliberation, I settle on food. Not because I want to, but because the money isn’t even enough to cover the heating bill.
At the grocery store, I shuffle through the aisles, grabbing the cheapest items I can find. Dry bread, instant noodles, canned beans—nothing remotely appealing, but it will have to do.
“Grace?”
The sound of my name makes me freeze mid-reach for a tin of soup. Only a handful of people still call me Grace, and I can’t immediately place the voice.
I turn, scanning the store, and my eyes land on him—Marcus O’Connor.
For a second, I don’t know what to say. Marcus used to be my neighbour back when life felt simpler. He was older than me, always cool and confident, and once upon a time, I harboured a harmless crush on him. But that’s ancient history. His family left our small town years ago, moving to the city to chase bigger dreams.
And judging by his appearance, they found them.
Dressed in an expensive suit, his hair neatly styled, Marcus looks like a walking advertisement for success. I blink, realizing I’ve been staring. Flustered, I clear my throat and manage to speak.
“Oh my God! Marcus?”
“Yeah, Grace. It’s me.” He grins, his expression as warm as I remember.
“Wow, you look amazing. The city must really have the greenest pastures, huh?”
“You could say that.”
“What brings you back here?” I ask, curious.
“Just needed a break from the busy city life. Let’s catch up over coffee at the diner across the road,” he suggests.
Coffee. A hot drink. And maybe food? I agree a little too eagerly.
At the diner, we sit in a corner booth, the smell of grease and coffee surrounding us. Marcus orders enough food to feed a small army and insists I pick anything I want. We talk about everything and nothing, catching up on years apart.
He asks about my dad, and I tell him the painful truth: he passed away two years ago. I share how his death left me with nothing, how I had to drop out of college today because his insurance and life savings ran out. My voice cracks despite my effort to keep it steady, but Marcus listens intently, his face etched with sympathy.
“You look like you work in some big office,” I say, trying to steer the conversation away from my misfortunes. “The city must be treating you well.”
He chuckles. “Not exactly an office job. I’m a chauffeur for a well-known billionaire in the city. Pays surprisingly well—better than most office gigs.”
“Wow, a high-paid chauffeur, huh? I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.” He hesitates for a moment before asking, “Have you ever thought about working in the city?”
“Who hasn’t? It’s everyone’s dream here.”
“What if I helped you find a job there?” His tone is sincere. “You could even stay with me until you get on your feet. The work might be messy, like cleaning or something, but it’s a start.”
My heart skips. A chance to leave this suffocating town? To escape my endless struggle and rebuild my life?
“I’d take it with both hands,” I reply without hesitation.
Marcus nods, determination lighting his eyes. “Let me see what I can do. I’ll call you as soon as I find something.”
We exchange numbers before parting ways. He even insists on paying for my groceries and giving me extra cash for heating, which I reluctantly accept.
As I walk back to my apartment, hope flickers in my chest for the first time in months.
