"You're fired."
For a moment, I honestly thought I heard her wrong.
I just stood there, staring at my manager, waiting for her to say something else, anything that would make it sound less serious.
"…Sorry?" I asked.
She didn't even blink. "You're fired, Eva. Go clear your desk."
I frowned, trying to process it. "Wait… what? Why?"
"It's a management decision."
That answer made no sense at all.
I let out a small, confused laugh. "Okay… but what does that even mean? Did I do something wrong?"It's not up for discussion," She replied.
Just like that, the conversation ended.
I stood there for a few seconds, hoping, maybe she would add something. Explain. But she didn't.
"…Okay," I muttered.
I turned before I could embarrass myself and walked out of the office as fast as I could without making it obvious that i wanted to cry.
I don't even remember packing my things properly. I only remember placing my bag on my hand when I left.
Everything else felt… blank.
Three years. Three whole years in that place.
Late nights. Extra work. Fixing problems that weren't even mine. And for what?. To be fired.
I let out a dry laugh the moment I stepped outside
I started walking. I didn't think about where I was going. I just kept on moving.
If I stopped, I knew I'd start thinking. And if I started thinking… I'd probably cry. So I kept walking.
I crossed the road without even paying attention. It wasn't until I reached the other side that I slowed down.
That's when I saw a bar. I had never been inside one before. It wasn't my kind of place. But right now… going home was a bad idea.
I just wanted something to quiet my head.
"Just one drink," I whispered to myself and walked in.
The smell hit me immediately, Smoke. Alcohol. Something strong and messy mixed together.
I almost turned right back around.
But I swallowed and forced myself to enter the bar.
Just act normal. Like you belong here.
"Hey, pretty."
I froze.
Slowly, I turned my head.
A man sitting near the counter was staring at me.
I ignored him.
That wasn't why I came here.
And honestly… even from where I stood, I could tell his breath was bad.
I looked away quickly and walked to the counter and sat down.
The bartender came over. "What do you want?"
I opened my mouth… then closed it again.
What do people even order here?
"I'd like to have…" I hesitated. "…something light."
He frowned slightly. "Light?"
"I mean, not too strong," I said quickly.
He stared at me for a second, then nodded. "Got it."
The way he turned away made me feel like he was probably laughing at me in his head.
I looked down, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed.
A moment later, he came back with a tall glass filled with something clear and fizzy, a slice of lemon floating on top.
"Here is your light drink, ma'am." He said with a small smirk.
"Thanks," I muttered.
I picked it up and moved to a small table nearby.
I stared at the drink for a moment before taking a small sip. Not bad.
Sweet, a little sour, and then a warm feeling at the end.
I took another sip. Then another. Before I knew it, the glass was empty.
I blinked at it. "That finished fast…"
I went back for another. Then another.
By the third drink, my body felt warm, but my thoughts came back. "You're fired."
I scoffed and shook my head. I rested my chin on my hand, staring at nothing.
"I actually tried in that place," I muttered. "Like… I actually did."
My eyes started to sting, so I quickly grabbed my drink and took a long sip.
"Whatever," I muttered. "Let them keep their stupid job." But it didn't feel like "whatever."
It felt like something had been taken from me.
It was getting late, and I was now heavily drunk. I signaled the bartender so I could pay and go home.
"Your card, ma'am," he said, stretching his hand toward me.
"Yes…" I stammered, digging through my bag. I finally found my credit card.
I slid the card through the reader.
I waited for the usual beep of approval.
Instead…
"Declined," the bartender said.
"What?" I asked, rubbing my eyes. My vision had started to blur and I could barely sit upright.
He tried the card again, still nothing.
"Seems there's not enough money on your card, ma'am. It keeps showing insufficient funds.
"Insufficient funds?" I repeated.
"How much is my bill?" I asked the bartender.
"Your bill is one thousand dollars ma'am". He replied frowning.
I nodded slowly.
"What?! I suddenly shouted.
He looked at me blankly.
"Your bill is one thousand dollars, ma'am. You need to pay up…or I'll have to call security."
My heart dropped straight to my stomach.
"One thousand dollars? For just alcohol?" I asked, stunned and utterly confused.
"Excuse me." I turned.
A man was standing behind me, he looked calm and different. "I'm the manager," he said. "Your bill has been settled."
I blinked. "…What?"
"You're free to go." He said "Wait… who paid?"
"Anonymous."
I looked around, but no one was looking my direction.
"That's… thank you," I said quickly.
Relief hit me instantly.
I needed to get out of this place before anything else strange happened.
Slowly, I picked up my bag. I stood up carefully, my legs still shaky from the alcohol.
I moved toward the exit with every bit of confidence i could find.
The moment I stepped outside, cool night air hit my face. Relief washed over me like a wave. It was almost midnight now.
The street was quiet.
Taxis were hard to find at this hour. I stood on the sidewalk, arms wrapped around myself, praying one would pass soon.
Then I sensed someone approaching from me behind. Fear rooted me in place.
I chose to ignore it at first, hoping it was just a passerby. But the footsteps didn't pass.
Suddenly, a cold hand landed on my shoulder.
I spun around in shock, only to see the same man who had harassed me inside the bar. The one with the bad breath and loud voice.
I tried to push him away, but he tightened his grip, causing pain to shoot through my shoulders. Helplessness engulfed me…I was drunk, alone, and defenseless.
"Stop, please!" I cried. Desperation rose in my voice.
"Oh, so now you can beg," he sneered, mocking me.
He shoved me hard. I stumbled and fell to the ground. He grabbed my arm and started dragging me toward a dark corner.
I screamed, but the street was empty. The bar's thick walls and music muffled everything. No one could hear me.
My struggles grew weaker.
Exhaustion from the alcohol and the fear started to take over. My arms felt heavy. My legs wouldn't cooperate.
A car passed by slowly on the road. I screamed again, louder, waving my free arm, hoping someone inside would see.
But the car kept going.
"Save your strength," he hissed, leaning close. His breath smelled sour. "For what I'm about to give you."
My heart sank completely. All hope felt gone. Tears blurred my vision as he pulled me deeper into the shadows.