#9 Small Chance

Akiko bowed, slipped off her shoes, and stepped into the house, almost tiptoeing to avoid making any noise. She had to be careful because she was coming home very late.

The restaurant where she had applied for a job had only been willing to interview her after nightfall, waiting for the owner to arrive. Of course, Akiko had recklessly waited, as it was the only restaurant left.

Luckily, her efforts were not in vain. She was also offered a job at the restaurant. With that, Akiko officially had two jobs: one at the supermarket and another as a waitress at the restaurant.

Although both were menial jobs, at least by working at two places simultaneously, Akiko had hope of saving money more quickly.

Akiko had calculated her income in enormous detail during her journey home earlier and estimated that within the next three or four months, she would have enough money to rent a modest apartment and start her new life.

Though three or four months was long, Akiko had to accept it because she ha