Be careful today, and don't let me see you go outside to do any work. Take this $20 and buy whatever can feed both of us. Stay in and study."
Olivia stretched out her hand and placed the money firmly into Jewel's palm, her eyes serious and unyielding.
Jewel stared at the money for a second before looking up at her sister, her lips pressing together.
"Always the same rule. I've heard you," she muttered softly. "You might as well use a padlock too."
She rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of pain behind the gesture.
Olivia's expression changed immediately.
"Are you talking back to me now, Jewel?" she snarled quietly, her brows furrowing.
Jewel quickly lifted her hands in surrender, a small playful smile forming on her lips as she reached out and gently patted Olivia's head.
"I wasn't talking to you," she said innocently. "And why would I even do such a thing?"
Olivia stared at her for a few seconds, trying to read through her expression, but Jewel only smiled wider, pretending nothing had happened.
"Alright, anyhow," Olivia sighed, shaking her head lightly. "I'll see you later today. Please be safe for me… and don't stay on your phone too much."
Jewel nodded quickly, clutching the money tightly.
"I won't. You too."
Olivia gave her one last look before turning and walking out of the house.
The morning air hit her face immediately warm, dusty, and familiar. The sun had already risen high enough to cast a dull brightness across the street, and the quiet noise of daily life had begun.
Today is definitely going to be a good day.
She paused for a moment, then shook her head slightly.
Perhaps bad too.
Nothing ever stayed good for too long.
She adjusted the strap of the bag hanging over her shoulder and began to walk slowly across the street, carefully avoiding the patches of loose sand and dust that threatened to stain her worn leather shoes.
Her bag wasn't heavy just a bottle of water and her phone but even that felt like weight against her already tired body.
Still, she walked with a certain grace.
Olivia always looked beautiful, even without trying. There was something calm yet strong about her presence something that made people notice her even when she wasn't asking to be seen.
"Hey, Olivia, how're you doing today?"
The voice came from across the road.
Olivia turned immediately, her expression softening as she recognized the familiar figure.
It was Mama Bear.
An elderly woman, probably in her eighties, stood by the side of the road, gently feeding her cows. She had lived on that street for over nine years, she lost her husband and she hand no kids everyone knew her.
She was kind. Gentle. And always watching.
Olivia didn't hesitate.
She jogged over quickly and wrapped her arms around the old woman in a warm hug.
"Hello, Mama. I'm fine," she said softly.
Mama Bear chuckled lightly, patting Olivia's back.
"You look so tired, dear. Are you okay?"
Olivia pulled back slightly and forced a small smile.
"Yes, I'm fine, Ma. Just a long day yesterday."
The older woman looked at her carefully, as if she could see through the smile, but she didn't push further.
"You work too hard," Mama Bear said quietly.
Olivia let out a small breath.
"I have to."
There was a brief silence between them, filled only by the soft sounds of the cows shifting around.
"I should be on my way now," Olivia added quickly. "I'll be right back later."
Mama Bear nodded.
"Go safely, my child."
Olivia waved goodbye and turned, breaking into a light jog as she made her way toward the bus stop.
The road wasn't far, but she didn't want to risk missing the bus.
It usually arrived by 10 to pick people heading into town, and if she missed it, she would be late again.
Her heart beat slightly faster as she approached the stop.
A few people were already there, standing under the weak shade of a broken shelter, wiping sweat off their faces and complaining quietly about the heat.
Olivia slowed down, catching her breath.
For a second, she thought she had missed it.
But then she saw it.
The bus.
Relief washed over her instantly.
She hurried forward and got in just in time, squeezing into a small space by the window.
The inside of the bus was crowded and noisy, filled with the smell of sweat, dust, and tired people heading to work.
She leaned her head slightly against the window, her eyes drifting outside as the bus began to move.
Another day.
Another struggle.
Another chance to survive.
ROSE AND CARL COFFEE SHOP
The bell above the door rang softly as Olivia stepped inside.
The air inside was completely different cool, calm, and filled with the rich scent of coffee.
It almost felt like a different world.
But even that didn't ease the tension in her chest.
"You're late again, Olivia."
The voice came from behind the counter.
A man walked into view, wearing a simple top and trousers, but there was something about him something slightly dangerous in the way he carried himself.
He looked like he was in his thirties, his face sharp, his eyes cold and observant.
Olivia's steps slowed immediately.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her bag.
"I'm so sorry," she said faintly, lowering her gaze.
The man didn't respond immediately.
He just stared at her.
And for a moment, the entire room felt heavier.
She nearly got fired the other day she was late.
He really wants to fire her.
" I won't take any bad habits lightly if it keeps repeating itself, this is my store and whatever I say should be the final say" he walked past her and she felt the urge around him.
"I _,errh I'm so sorry sir Mr Charles" Olivia stared at the ground.
"Today's okay anyways, join the others in the kitchen, we'll be having a whole lot of guests coming in today so hurry and join them"
"Alright Alright, thank you so much sir, she walked out of the shop and went into the little house beside it.
" I heard that there will be a coffee party here tonight and Olivia has been appointed to be one of them since she's so pretty and petite at the same time, I'm so jealous of her" one of the girls said loudly unaware of her presence.
" Diana, which Olivia? What party? When was it announced?"
"Oh you're here, well that's what I heard and you're one of us here so tell your sister to take perfect care of herself" Diana a chubby yet pretty girl said turning her face back to the cups she was washing.
Oh how am I supposed to do this now, Jewel will be alone in that house today.
Who puts someone in a place without their consent.
I'm so furious right now.
Oh my goodness.
She thought loudly.