r as she rolled out of bed. “Oh my go

rd floor of the building. The sound of cars from the street below flowed in easily with the win

de table, and without looking a

ast night?” Luke said as soo

Ellen groaned, holding her head as

e not invited to and embarrassed

place; you’re the one who broke up with me a

lways wanted to keep our relatio

o look down on me at work because you were my

oreover, you seem to have

Ellen shouted and

en saw puffy eyes and tousled hair; she look

overed her lips with her right h

Ellen told herself, try

ped out of her room to check on her mom. Moving along the corridor,

he turned to head to the living

do that! She exclaimed,

the table with a breakfast

last night,” Mrs. Grater

, so I let myself in,”

small living room connected to a compact kitchen that also acts as the dining area

Emily today; when would you be livi

ht before. The emotions that suddenly over

ight?” Mrs. Grater

father, who was her husband. The other was when she had finished college and her father w

good,” Ellen replied to her mom as she t

your next therapy?”

her to open up; when she’s ready, she’ll open u

s. Grater replie

come with you?” E

you when I get back,” Mrs. Grater to

payment yesterday,” E

obstacles together. Ellen has been focused on working to ensure she can pay the bills, including her mom’s medical bill, rent

ough this, mom; I need you to be strong for me,”

just fine,” Mrs. Grater assured her, trying to be

d in it. She hadn’t expected him to stoop so low. He was a senior manager at the fir

her; she was a neighbor and has always loved to

mile as she headed down the hall to her ap

way to the mall,” she told Elle

son always does this; she would give her something she picked up simply becau

his time around, I’m actually in need of a job,” El

to,” she said to herself. Ellen had only informed her mother that sh

**

Alex presents the file he

st of the candidates who

ercing stare. Feeling he’d overstepped, Alex bowed his head and responded, “Forgive me

he had little affinity for ladies and was careful

gh resumes for a secretary; that’s why you’re here, Alex." Raising his le

ex turned towards the door, only to be h

eo said, waiting fo

selected resumes as

ponded to Leo and ste