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Chapter 33 Stranger Danger

Author: Howler
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

"I'm so sorry, it won’t happen again," I say, my voice barely above a whisper as I stare at my feet, shame prickling at my skin.

"Don't tell me that. That’s what you always say," Paula snaps, it is quite obvious she is in a sour mood today. I can feel her eyes burning holes into me, and though it's not entirely my fault, I can't bring myself to argue. I overslept.

"Get to work," she orders with a dismissive wave of her hand, and I move quickly, the weight of my exhaustion pressing down on me like a heavy blanket. All day, I feel sluggish, and waves of nausea ripple through me. I force it down, clutching at my stomach when no one is looking.

****Later******

The evening rush has hit, and the café is swarming with customers. The hustle and bustle makes my head spin, but I keep pushing forward, the thought of the weekend barely enough to keep me going.

‘Tomorrow’, I tell myself. Tomorrow I can rest. Or maybe not—I still need to search for another job. We need extra income, and our savin
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