Another day at work, earning an average income. It doesn’t sound bad—at least not until you consider my circumstances. I started college but never finished. After my parents died in an accident, I was thrust into a life where studying and working felt like an impossible juggling act. I had to choose: stay with a family member, like my aunt, and go to school, or work and live independently. Knowing my aunt, I chose solitude. Besides, I didn’t even know what I wanted to study, so continuing college seemed like a waste of money.

I found a job at a company, starting from the bottom and gradually making enough to scrape by. To save money, I could not afford a car so I started relying on the train. As for food, I have to make every dollar count. I’m not starving, but throwing away leftovers or indulging in takeout food is a luxury I can't afford.

About a week ago, my nightmare began. A well-funded company purchased the terrain near the train station, and the construction blocked certain paths, adding an extra twenty minutes to my route to the train station. I tried to stay positive, but yesterday I heard explosions. Immediately I searched on the radio for any news: a conflict between workers and a thug attempting a theft led to a gas leak, resulting in explosions that sent shockwaves through the area. Now, my train stop is closed, and the trains can’t even approach.

This morning, I found myself ordering a taxi, but it’s draining my already tight budget. But today, I’m resolved to take action. I’m going to ask for a raise! I’ve worked hard during these two years, and I deserve it. It’s time to stand up for myself.

I stride through the company’s front entrance, shoulders back and head held high, my determination evident with every step. “Good morning, everyone!” I call out, my voice bright. The room falls silent as I catch the gaze of my coworkers. They respond with a collective, subdued greeting, their eyes filled with curiosity and surprise.

I take the elevator to my work zone, heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. As I approach my boss’s office, I knock lightly on the door before stepping inside. “Boss Raian, good morning!” I say, my eyes sparkling with hope.

“Oh, Elysia! Good to see you bright and early. Always a good worker, our loyal hard worker,” he replies, beaming at me from behind his desk. “Would you like some coffee? It’s on me.”

“No, thank you. I’m here because—”

“Elysia, don’t be like that! You work so hard. I know the coffee we sell in the cafeteria is overpriced, and I appreciate your dedication. We just lost three employees yesterday due to mistakes that cost us money. Can you believe it? We’re short on funds now.”

“Yes, I understand that mistakes happen, but I—”

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

“I know you’re here to discuss extra hours, but unfortunately, I can’t grant them. We’ll be filling those positions with fresh workers, but hiring means more spending.” He scratches his head, frustration clear on his face. “Honestly, if someone asked me for a raise right now, I’d consider firing them. We all sacrifice for the good of the company, right? Sorry for raising my voice; I get a bit carried away. The coffee will be here any second.”

“Haha you know what, I remember I drank coffee in my house, and.. It would be bad for me to drink more, I will go to my work zone, bye”, my heart sinking as I exit his office, the sweat trickling down my forehead betraying my disappointment. I had rehearsed my pitch all night, envisioning this moment as my chance to finally ask for a raise. But with each dismissive word from Raian, my confidence deflated.

After a long day of work, I step out into the night, the weight of impending rent pressing heavily on my shoulders. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and though the number is unfamiliar, I answer out of habit. The moment I hear the voice on the other end, annoyance bubbles up inside me.

“YOU don’t answer me with my number, huh, little Ely?” my aunt’s overly dramatic tone grates on my nerves, followed by exaggerated sobs that I know are part of her act.

“Sorry, Aunt Chi. I don’t usually pick up call for strangers. I was waiting for a call from my manager about a raise,” I lied, hoping to divert her attention.

“Aww, I had to change my number to reach you! Isn’t it great? So, how are you? Money, Ely! You’re so independent and cool! Do you have a boyfriend?” she fires off her questions without pause.

“Aunty Chi, I’m fine…”

“Fine? You sound terrible! But you have money! Oh, wait—don’t tell me it’s because you’re single! That must be it! Money can’t buy love!”

Heat rushes to my cheeks. “No, I don’t have time for a boyfriend!”

“Oh dear, when you find a partner, they can help you—not just physically but emotionally. You really need that.”

I exhale sharply. “Bye, Aunt Chi.” I hang up and quickly block her number, muttering to myself, “First, I need to focus on paying the rent.”

As I walk through the dimly lit park, the glow of lights reveals couples scattered around, wrapped in their own little worlds. I suddenly feel out of place amid their laughter and tender kisses. Wait a second... “Ahh!” I realize today is Valentine’s Day. I’ve been so caught up in my own struggles that I completely forgot about one of the most romantic days of the year. Is just a day like any other day… “ Whatever’

I scratch my head, feeling the weight of my exhaustion, and head home in a rush trying to avoid looking the couples in their dates. As I enter my apartment I  start doing my always trusty Instant noodles. I prepare them, the cheap aroma filling my small apartment. As I eat, I browse online, desperately posting some of my belongings, hoping I can sell enough to make rent. Tomorrow will be the same: wake up at 4:30 a.m. to be at work by 6 a.m.

It’s 8 p.m. now. "I'll stay up until 10 p.m. and then sleep," I remind myself, trying to keep to my rigid plan. This routine is working... right? I’ve been saying it every morning, but my patience is thinning. Sometimes, I wonder if I should just go back to living with Aunt Chi. The thought nags at me, but I push it aside. Quitting this job and finding another closer would be a dream, but in this area, it's the only big company. Every other place only offers part-time work, and that wouldn't cover my rent.