I stared at my phone like it might disappear if I blinked too hard. The email sat there in my inbox, subject line bold and clean:Congratulations, Fiona. You’re hired. I opened it fast, heart already racing, and the words hit me all at once. They wanted me to start tomorrow. Tomorrow. I read it twice, then a third time, to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks. A soft laugh bubbled out of me, and I covered my mouth with my hand even though I was alone in my tiny apartment. “Holy shit,” I whispered to the empty room. “I actually got it.” I bounced on the edge of my bed, then stood up and paced because sitting still felt impossible. The pay was good, the hours worked with my classes, and the family only needed someone a few evenings a week. I texted my best friend the screenshot with about twelve exclamation points. She replied instantly with a string of fire emojis and “go get that bag.” I grinned so hard my cheeks hurt. That night I barely slept. I laid out clothes, checked t
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