2. Inkling of Hope

DELILAH'S POV

The cold breeze whistles past my ears, as I covered myself with my arms trying to warm up even the slightest. Winters were harsh, but walking with naked feet and no warm clothes to protect, they’re the harshest.

After all the pleadings I did, the doctor let me leave without calling any cops and all. I couldn’t trust anyone. The last time when I tried to run, I ran to the cops first thinking they would help me but how naïve I was.

Even the cops were their puppets, parroting whatever was told to them. I couldn’t trust just anyone.

With every step I took, the fear was inkling inside me. Where would I go now? I had fortunately escaped but where will be my new destination. Neither did I have money, clothes, shoes nor any proof of my educational qualifications.

I had no possession.

Before leaving the hospital, the young-looking nurse took pity on me and handed me a dress she said she had worn just once. Unfortunately her shoes didn’t fit me, but she handed me few dollars to help.

It nearly made me cry at her kindness but I didn’t know how to express that without a small smile which I didn’t know after how long I managed to give and mumbling a ‘thanks.’

I had securely tucked that money maybe I could buy myself some food till I get any job. It made me feel so emotional after how long I have managed to escape from them and return into the world again. But before all I need any work. Anything anywhere would do.

I walked down the narrow streets looking at any place might be suitable to get me a job. A butler maybe or in a café, I didn’t know where to look for. My eyes fell on my naked feet and the white bandage secured around it. It wasn’t white anymore with the amount of dirt it gathered walking on the streets.

My heart thudded as I looked at a small café situated in the corner between two high building. There were people but mostly were busy in themselves. I took small steps inside. Reaching the counter, I cleared my throat gaining her attention.

“Yes, Miss. What’s your order?” I rubbed my palms together trying to subdue the nervousness creeping in.

“I… I need a job.” She shook her head, positioning herself better.

“I don’t know if we have any vacancy but you must talk with the manager.” I nodded wanting to take any chance I got.

To say in short what went next is, just say that the manager wasn’t the warmest or the sweetest person. She almost thrown me out hearing I didn’t have any work experience.

I had when I was in my teens, working as well as studying but five years in that basement made me forget everything. How to work, or how to interact.

I didn’t tell her anything, and walked out. The cold breeze stopping momentarily.

The entire day went in searching for any job but everything in vain. No one wanted to hire a newbie. I didn’t know if no one hired them then how would they gain work experience.

I looked at the crumpled dollars in my hands I had not brought any food with it. I need them as a safeguard. A few dollars were enough.

My stomach grumbled but I tried not to think about it. Food wasn’t the main priority now, I have had one time meal in the morning before leaving the hospital.

Exhausted I sat on a bench beside a narrow footpath, and a deep exhausted sigh left my lips.

Now what?

I looked up at the sky, and for a fraction of a second, I saw my once happy days resurfacing across my eyes. I closed my eyes tightly, trying to gain anything else to get me going but I found none.

Was there any existence of mine on this earth? I didn’t know. It feels like I had no future at front, no work in hand and just struggling and struggling but to gain what I didn’t know. Loneliness was

the worst disease eating you up from inside and at that moment sitting on the bench under the moonlight, I found myself so alone and helpless.

A tear escaped my eyes, but I didn’t bother to rub it away. I turned my head down when a little bakery on my eyes. I walked towards it, crossing the road. Let’s take this last chance.

The bell chimed as I walked inside. A woman stood there handing a two-tier chocolate cake to a customer. My eyes fell on the cakes and the cookies and all other items displayed there. Tucking the cash from the customer she turned towards me, her smile warm and beautiful. “What you want, dearie?” 

I cleared my throat before asking the hopeful question. “I need a job.”

Her eyes widened a little as she nodded her head. “We don’t need any help now…” She glanced at me for a while and hearing her words nearly broke my last hope. Please don’t say no.

“I really need one. I can help with anything.” She smiled lightly as me a sympathetic one must I say but it didn’t bother me. Self-pride comes after survival after all. She could hear the desperation in my voice and sighed lowly.

“Umm… I’m not the owner here but I feel Katy wouldn’t mind hiring you.” She smiled lightly and this time I found myself hoping for positivity.

“I will try my best not to disappoint you.” She nodded moving out from the other side of the counter. “Fine, we gonna look into that.”

A real smile reached my lips, at the success in the end of the day. Maybe nothing big for anyone but someone like me who survived one of the worst considers even the little starts as some achievements.

“I can’t thank you enough.” Her cheeks turned pinkish as she swatted her hand in air. “Its fine. But do you have any ID proof or something. I need that at least.”

My stomach dropped at her words. Where would I get them?

I tucked the loose hairs pulled out from my messy bun. “I don’t have anything.” Her eyes widened visibly, surprised and shocked.

I gulped the rising bile. “I don’t have anything else except this few dollars’’ I showed her the few crumpled notes, “ and the dress I’m wearing.”

Her eyes turned sad and she walked closer to me. “I don’t hire people without them but…” she sighed, “I couldn’t say no to you after seeing how exhausted and worn out you look.”

“You can start working now.” I didn’t expect her to agree but I smiled at her feeling the happiness in filtering inside.

“Thank you so much.” My stomach grumbled suddenly and I looked down feeling embarrassed. She chuckled, shaking her head. “It's fine, sweetheart. You can have some muffins. I guess you haven’t had food for a while.”

I glanced at the money but feeling the hunger creeping in I decided to use it. At least I have a work for now. She walked towards her counter and took out four muffins. “You can have these, and-“ she turned her right and grabbed a cup before filling it with coffee from the coffee-maker,  “and some drink.”

The smell of the heavenly delicacy made my mouth water. I handed her the money but she denied. “Consider this as a congratulation gift for getting a work.”

A tear escaped my eyes at her kindness. It’s long since anyone has showed any such towards me. Not knowing how to thank her anymore, I just mumbled a thank you again.

Taking the food and the drink from her I settled in one corner of the shop. The warm cozy feeling felt so good. I devoured them almost instantly, at how hungry I was.

The night fell soon, and it was time for Amber- yes I got to know her name- to close the shop. Now, the question arises where would I stay the night?

“Do you have a place to stay, dear?” I shook my head. 

Her smile upturned down, “I live with my roommate sharing the place. Where will I have you to stay?” she mumbled the last part to her herself but I heard.

“Can I stay here? I will close the shop and can open it early in the morning also.” She looked unconvinced. I didn’t expect her to agree at the bizarre idea.

“It’s not safe much in here.”

“I will lock the doors closely and will start working in the early break of the day.” I added. “Please don’t deny. I will try to find myself a place soon.”

She nodded unwanted I could feel but that’s the only way for me. Handing me the keys, she left more before giving me all the instructions.

Bidding her a goodbye I turned to walk inside when my eyes fell on a small crouched figure in the corner under the lamp post. For a second I could see myself there. It wasn’t long before I was on the road naked feet and empty stomach. If not for someone kindness I would have stayed there freezing in cold. The man gave the shawl covering him, a hitch and huddled more to the corner.

I felt the same kindness and want flooding in as I walked inside the shop. Filling a cup of coffee and two muffins I came out and handed them. His eyes sparkled under the lamp light and raw gratitude sparkled in it. He took the food gradually and bowed his head.

“It's fine. Please look for a work tomorrow rather than staying out in cold.” He nodded, his fingers trembled as he took the food near to him. “I will try.”

Giving a last smile I walked inside. The warmth of the shop comforting me. I placed my few dollars in the cash box, a payment for the food and the drink I took unasked to give the man.

Sighing I walked near to a couch near to the pantry and settled myself there. A sleep would help now.

I didn’t know after how long I could sleep without the fear of getting hurt and pained anymore.

Oh how wrong I was …

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