The Morning free ride offer

Mia’s POV

My alarm rang loudly, pulling me out of my sleep. Morning had arrived, and it was time to prepare for work. Honestly, I’m always too lazy to get out of bed, especially on workdays.

“Oh, I hate waking up to weather like this,” I groaned as I forced myself out of my warm, comfortable bed. I walked over to the window and peeked outside, it was drizzling. The sky was dull, and I could already feel the cold creeping in from the glass.

“I hate cold mornings!” I shouted into the room.

“Yeah, me too. But we have to go to work, remember? Work first, then sleep, Mia,” Amelia responded from the other side of the room. She’s my best friend and housemate. We live in the same apartment and share the rent. City life is expensive, and with our small salaries, we have no choice.

“You’re right,” I replied as I shuffled into the kitchen. I needed to prepare something quick to eat before heading out.

“Did you pass by the grocery store yesterday? I remember we agreed to restock a few things, but I don’t see them here,” Amelia asked while inspecting the fridge.

“No, I forgot. Sorry, I got off work really late last night and just came straight home,” I admitted. I genuinely didn’t remember anything about grocery shopping yesterday. Amelia was always on top of things like that, unlike me. I constantly forgot, especially when it was my turn.

“You don’t need to explain. Just give me the money and I’ll buy everything on my way home. I already know you’ll give me the same excuse later,” she said, heading toward the bathroom.

“Don’t blame me, Amelia. I’ve got a lot on my mind right now. But I promise I’ll change, just for you,” I said in a joking tone, trying to lighten the mood.

“Just stop. I’m used to your excuses anyway. Now hurry up, you’re getting late for work,” she called out.

“Okay, Madam Time Manager,” I teased her with a laugh. She was always so punctual and I wish I was more like her.

I work as a fashion designer at a company that deals with stylish clothing. It’s not the best-paying job, but it helps me get by. I’ve been saving whatever I can because one day, I dream of owning my own fashion brand, of becoming a well-known designer with my clothes in stores across the world. I know it's possible if I keep working hard.

I got dressed quickly, layering up to fight off the cold. With the drizzle still coming down, I had to be careful not to get my shoes wet. It had rained last night, and now the cold had made the streets damp and slippery.

Mornings like this made me wish I had a car. Walking to work in bad weather wasn’t just uncomfortable, it felt unfair. I couldn’t stop imagining how wonderful it would be to drive myself one day, dry and warm, without worrying about puddles or mud. That day will come, I kept telling myself.

As I stepped out, the drizzle started to turn into heavier rain. I hadn’t carried an umbrella, typical me. I picked up my pace, knowing that if I didn’t hurry, I’d get to work completely soaked. I couldn’t afford to show up with ruined makeup and wet clothes. It would be so embarrassing.

With my short steps, I wasn’t making much progress, so I started to run. Just as I was hurrying, a car suddenly pulled up and blocked my way. I tried to move around it, but the man inside turned and blocked that direction too.

“What is wrong with this lunatic?” I muttered angrily, glaring at the car.

The driver rolled down the window and stuck his head out.

“Need a ride?” he asked with a calm smile.