LOST AN ADRESS, GOT A JOB

VERA'S POV 

The lady's hand paused midway" or "The woman stopped halfway through closing the door.

"May I please sleep on your porch?" I squinted my eyes, peeking at her through the small opening.

"No!"

"Please, I'm just coming from the orphanage, I have no where to go, please just the front porch, I promise, I won't disturb, I'll leave before dawn." Almost half crying, I pleaded.

"Alright! Let me go get you a blanket, wait right here." Letting out a wide smile, she exited into her house.

After waiting for a long while, she finally came out, with nothing looking like a blanket but a tape. The tape was labelled 'FRAGILE! She taped the edge of her house and ran it along the whole front porch straight to the entrance.

I stood still, watching her still hoping she'll show up with a blanket. "Maybe she's keeping the tapes in front because she wants me to sleep safely."

The next minute she stepped out, with a large sign and she kept it directly in front of me, it read "Keep out." And then she switched off the porch light.

I heaved a sigh, feeling the weight on my shoulders. I needed no more signs.

I walked out of Waltwit street, venturing straight ahead with no course or destination. Had a turn through a few other roads.

I couldn't hold back my tears, I ran straight ahead, sobbing, trying to use my forearms as a shield to wipe my tears but everywhere felt so foggy.

The city was beautiful, yet I had never felt so lost in my life.

I walked aimlessly through the city, my feet aching with every step. Cars rushed past, their horns blaring as people hurried along the sidewalks, laughing and talking like the world had no problems.

Looking at the scrapped up paper in my hands, I squeezed it into a ball before tossing it into a nearby bin.

"Where was I supposed to go?"

I continued walking, my eyes fixed on the ground as I tried to make sense of my life.

Just as I was about to cross the road, a large building caught my attention. Its glass walls reflected the city lights.

I slowed down, staring at the golden letters above the entrance.

"THE PILARA."

My eyes wandered to a notice board at the Silver gates, where a white sheet of paper caught my attention.

"STAFF RECRUITMENT"

I moved closer, reading the words beneath it.

Applicants must be eighteen years and above. No prior experience required or certificates required. Accommodation and two square meals during working hours.

"Accommodation?" I felt my heart thump.

I walked in without a second thought but was stopped by the security.

"Not today kid, we don't have food."

I stood still before turning to him. "Oh, I'm actually here for the job application." Letting out a smile.

He looked at me, before turning to his colleague, whispering something into his ears.

"No more recruitment for today, come again tomorrow," snorting as he scratched his nose.

"Please, I have no where to go, I'm an orphan, I work very hard, I promise." A trickle came down my cheeks.

"Please…" I laid on the ground, sobbing.

"Go home." The second man shouted, grabbing my arm, and tried to drag me out.

But was stopped by the call of a voice.

"What is happening here!" The middle aged woman finally spoke after prolonged silence.

I watched the man lay his complaint as he pointed out to me.

I rose with knees still bent and tears still pouring.

"Follow me!" Her face remained calm, taking a glance at me before walking away.

I quickly scurried to my feet, running after her.

I followed her through the back entrance of the hotel, leaving behind the magnificent building I'd admired earlier.

We walked past a beautifully landscaped garden, then continued farther into the enormous compound until we reached a smaller, two-storey building tucked away from the main hotel.

I stared at it briefly.

She simply led me inside and up a flight of stairs before stopping in front of a door marked ROOM 7.

She pushed it open, revealing a room with four bunk beds arranged against the walls. Three of them were occupied, and a few girls were scattered around the room, chatting amongst themselves.

"Be up early tomorrow," she instructed, turning to face me. "You're on cleaning duty with the other girls in this wing. Don't be late."

"Yes, ma'am."

She turned towards one of the girls sitting on the lower bunk.

"Helen, add her name to the register.”

The girl looked up. "Alright, ma'am."

With that, the woman left, and I found myself standing awkwardly by the door.

"Come in," Helen said, patting the empty lower bunk beside her. "What's your name?"

"Vera."

She reached for a notebook.

"Full name?"

"Uhmm, just Vera."

Everything went smoothly until she reached the section for payment information.

"Bank account details?"

My fingers tightened around the strap of my little sack as I struggled to find an answer that wouldn't make me sound completely helpless.

"You don't have one?" She glanced at me.

I shook my head.

She was quiet for a moment before slapping the book close.

"Don't worry about it tonight."

I looked at her, wondering if I had failed requirements.

"Are… are you sure? I stuttered.

"Of course." She smiled. "I'm Helen, by the way. And since we're roommates now, you can ask me if you need anything."

Something loosened in my chest.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now, come and sit down before you fall asleep standing."

For the first time that day, a small smile found its way onto my face.

That night, I climbed onto the empty bunk and lay down, listening to the quiet conversations and occasional laughter around the room.

Still hungry, so I bit into the cold sandwich Madam Rose gave me.

Still worried about tomorrow but at least I had a roof over my head.

And for tonight, that was enough.