Chapter 1

Nala

Age: 20

My day starts like any other, though today I have something to look forward to: the weekend. Friday will be busier than any other day, but it will just make it go by faster. I also love my work as a social worker.

Being small and unthreatening helps a lot when I'm working with scared and abused children. It also helps that I can relate to them, as I come from a home where I was heavily abused by my father.

Those memories are things I'd rather forget, but they come in handy at times too. Perhaps that's why I can easily joke about it now. They still hurt, with lingering nightmares haunting me, but what can I do? Life can never be so simple.

After taking a quick shower to refresh myself and putting on dress pants and a button-up shirt, I walk over to my small kitchen and start frying some scrambled eggs. It's all habit, which is by design. Otherwise, I'd forget to eat at all.

My apartment may be small and cheap, but I don't need that much space either. It's also all I can afford on my hourly wage while I take online classes to earn my bachelor's degree one course at a time.

It has all the essentials I need: a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and living room. Many people around me always make a big deal about needing more space or new things, but is it really necessary?

I eat in the living room if I'm not on the go, so I don't need a dining room. The bedroom is big enough for a queen-sized bed, and the closet has enough room for my clothes. The bathroom fits my needs well too, with a single sink, mirror, and small shower. The kitchen doesn't have a lot of counter space, but it has a working stove, fridge, and microwave.

I don't plan on entertaining anyone in this space, so why make a big deal out of it? I check my phone and crack a smile when I see texts and pictures sent by my best friend, Kyla Brooks. Now she's the one who voices her opinions on my living arrangements loud and clear.

The two of us are an unlikely pair, seeing as she's a drop-dead gorgeous model while I'm a plain-looking social worker, but we get along well, all things considered. We've been friends for many years now, and Ky always has my back.

Of course, she wants to throw money around and buy me everything too, but I always reject the offers. I never want to be a burden to her, and now that I'm an adult and not just her playmate, I want to stand tall on my own.

"Text me before you leave! Owen's taking me on a nice spa date today. Kisses~!" Ky had sent along with a picture of them together in bed, Ky posing with duck lips and a wink while her lover, Owen, sleeps soundly beside her shirtless.

I shake my head and sigh. Ky can also be very cringey at times, but I love her all the same. I don't know what I'd do without her. I finish eating and grab my briefcase as I head out the door.

"On my way now! Have fun on your date, and make sure to get your nails glittery and pink."

I click send after adding a kissing emoji and sit down at the bus stop.

My morning route isn't too bad, especially since the bus I take doesn't get overly crowded in the morning. I sit in the same place, two seats from the front, and look out the window with music playing in my ears from my old CD player.

There isn't much to see, but I enjoy the peacefulness of it all. Trying to get a car now wouldn't be cost-effective, and while Ky always offers to buy me one, I can't accept it. Not only because it's an expensive gift, but also because I can't afford to pay for insurance right now.

Rich people will never understand the struggles of people like me. Ky means well, I know, but I can't depend on her either. I need to stand on my own two feet and prove to myself that I can handle being alone.

I spot my stop coming up and pull on the bar to let the driver know I need to get off. As I step off, I wave goodbye.

"Have a good morning! See you Monday, Jeff," I say politely before beginning my walk to the Family and Child Services building where I work.

It's the same thing every workday, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I truly love my simple life, and the greatest joy I receive in life is at work. It can be depressing, but it's also rewarding. I love helping children get out of bad situations.

As I step inside, I'm greeted by warm welcomes from my coworkers. Before I can make my way to my cubicle, my boss, Timothy Rosenberg, stops me.

"Good morning, Natalia. Would you please come with me?"

I tilt my head curiously and nod.

"Of course! Lead the way, Mr. Rosenberg."

I follow him into his office. My mind races as I wonder if I've done something wrong.

Once Tim shuts his door, he smiles at me.

"Calm down, Ms. Oka. You're not in trouble. I wish to congratulate you! Because of your fantastic work in the field the other day, you'll be receiving a promotion as well as a raise."

I blink before smiling happily.

"Really? Mr. Rosenberg, you scared me!"

I giggle softly and take the paper he offers. Excitement rushes through me as I skim it over. I'm finally not just a junior family advocate anymore!

"Usually this doesn't happen until you earn your bachelor's degree, but you've been doing so well that I decided to give it to you ahead of schedule."

Tim smiles warmly, pleased by my excitement.

"I know the pay isn't much, but I promise that once you do gain that degree, you'll earn another raise on top of that."

I hug the paper and shake my head.

"That's okay, Tim. Thank you so much for believing in me. You have no idea how much I've dreamed of this."

Sure, going from $13 to $15 an hour isn't much to most people, but for someone like me, it just means more savings and emergency funds. I keep myself on a strict budget, so it all works out perfectly.

"If you say so, Natalia."

Tim smiles.

"You can go now. Keep up the good work! You always do so well with all the kids, no matter what age."

He turns and goes back to his desk.

"T-thank you very much," I say, dipping my head.

My face burns at the flattery, and I quickly turn and leave his office.

I can't help grinning from ear to ear. Nothing can ruin this wonderful day now.