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rom the fourteen-hour shift she had just completed. The greasy and coffee-soaked cheap plastic apron was plas

ost midnig

he followed the same routine: work herself to the bone, get

t over $20-barely enough for tomorr

old air, the neon "OPEN 24 HOURS" sign buzzing softly behind her. It w

ana waited at the bus stop, attempting to keep her eyes open. She had not slept more than four hours each

he familiar odour of booze and stale cigar

was

on the couch, shirtless, with an empty bottle of whi

played a woman

she did not say anything. Sh

id without looking up.

away," she said quietly, set

ard stuff like a tiny rat. "You think working

ng to the kitchen. "I simp

hought what? Should I cook f

ned the fridge, which was half-empty as usual, and to

the countertop.

hat? No kiss?" No 'Hello honey, how was you

xhauste

said. "Are you tired of me? "

e

d not expres

ed her serenity. She had learnt years ago not to cr

on his sandwich. She sat on the side of the bed and remov

rew her attention. She put a hand

een

ld have already treated her as if she were worthles

transform him. Having a father could

d, weary, with her arm

ext morning to the

a. She is nothing. You are the one I want, baby... Simply wai

tting more than she anticipated. She c

d she was

wer hours but was just as demanding. She spent the day folding shirts and avoiding inappropriate rem

confirm her upcoming appointment. She would have to miss

he knew. In the middle of the upheaval, this small life within her rem

that evening, Mark wa

ent," he said coldly. "Why a

I am saving f

grimly. "

pa

Mark. "I am si

le

n a

laimed. "Are you at

y, Mark. I assum

ve this landfill is a suitable setting for a baby? You can not

will raise it. Even if you

ht! I do not. Do not

the door as

the floor, f

t becaus

inal hope had