The deafening silence grew stronger with every step I took. I could feel the fear vibrating off of me but I was too curious to stop myself from investigating. A cool draft hit me in the face as I inched my way towards the open back door. My eyes scanned the backyard before landing on Him. I relaxed immediately and focused on the gentle hum of trickling water. A small sigh escaped my mouth while my eyes ran up the length of the beautiful human in front of me. Illuminated by the soft lights, his strong lines, broad shoulders, and taught back became much more striking. He emanated power and I couldn't stop myself from being drawn to him. I had to touch him. A faint smile ghosted my lips as I approached him but it was quickly erased. Pools of crimson surrounded him and a strong metallic scent clouded my nostrils. I lifted my eyes past him. A wrinkled lifeless body drifted in the murky water as if it were a pool float. I stood frozen in terror for what felt like ages before a shrill scream escaped my lips. He turned to face me. His eyes sinister, his face stony, and his body stained with blood. His face flushed with worry for just a second before he smirked.

"Oh Sweetheart, you shouldn't have come out here."

****************************3 MONTHS EARLIER ****************************

"Ms. Kabir, why do you believe you deserve this job?"

"Well, you see Mrs. Rodcliffe, I've unfortunately had the pleasure of experiencing the hospital life myself and I can say without a doubt that it was one of the most horrendous experiences of my life. So much so that I've dedicated my entire life to making sure that nobody has to go through what I had to go through. I know how these patients feel. I know how to make them feel better. I can truly help them. No offense to the other Doctors here but how many of them actually know what it's like to be trapped in a hospital bed? Probably not a single one. Not to mention that all of my references agree that I'm attentive, adaptable, and easy to talk to. And of course, I've graduated top of my class with impeccable sores across the board."

I have to agree with you Ms. Kabir: you definitely bring something new to the table. If you don't mind, would you care to elaborate on how you ended up in the care of a hospital?

"With all due respect, no. I do not wish to relive a single part of my hospital experience."

"Very well then. You are only 21 years of age. Don't you think you are too young to be working as a psychiatrist?"

"I've said this once and I'll repeat it I've graduated at the top of my class and have passed with flying colors. I've completed my education in full. Yes, it may have been at an accelerated speed but I am just as good if not better than your current doctors. My age is not prevalent in this matter.

"I don't know Ms. Kabir. There aren't many people who would feel comfortable being under such a young doctor's care. It's more than likely that the majority of your patients would be older than you."

"And what's the issue with that Mrs. Rodcliffe?"

"Well...I...um...the hospital's board might have an issue with your age"

"That still does not explain WHY it is an issue."

"Look, you're a smart girl so I won't beat around the bush. The board here is full of stuck-up pricks whose egos are larger than the universe. They would never agree to hire a young, brilliant female doctor. What I'm trying to say is I don't think you'll be a good fit here. Try coming back in a few years sweetheart."

"I appreciate you taking the time to interview me Mrs. Rodcliffe, but I think I'll find work elsewhere."

I pushed out of my chair and towards the chrome elevators with my head held high. The doors closed and the drone of light melodies filtered through the air. I sighed and ran my fingers through my pristine bun and threw my head back.

"This is fucking ridiculous. It's the same stupid excuse every time", I thought to myself.

The ding of the elevator forced me to compose myself and look at the world that was supposed to be mine. White lab coats, marine-colored scrubs, and the faint smell of alcohol. I stood there in a trance of envy before I was shoved to the ground by two large nurses struggling to get a hysterical elderly man under control. One of them yelled "Get me a sedative!" and I snapped. I dusted myself off and calmly made my way over to the man. I crouched down to his eyes while the other nurse yelled "Get out of the way!" I gave him a sideways glance and faced the man. I slipped my hands into his shaking ones and gently began caressing them.

"What the hell do you think you're doing!", one of the nurses yelled.

I ignored him and looked the elderly man in the eyes. I leaned forward and whispered "They're scary, aren't they? I get it. They used to do that to me too. They'd haul me into a tiny white room and fill me with all these drugs and everything would go blank. Are they doing that do you too?" His eyes remained skeptical but he nodded ever so slightly. "Lucky for you I have a trick that makes them stop. All you have to do is close your eyes take three deep breaths and then ask them what they want. They'll probably say something like 'Take this pill.' Then you just have to take the medicine and they'll leave you alone. You do this a few times and they might even let you go home. Try it and let me know how it goes." The elderly man slowly stood up and stretched his arm outwards. One of the nurses glanced my way before dropping a pink pill into the elderly man's wrinkled palm. He popped the pill into his mouth and beckoned for a glass of water. He took two subtle sips, wiped his mouth with the back of his worn sweater, and walked into a room that I assumed was his. I stood up and adjusted my skirt while the two nurses looked at me dumbfounded. I strode out the sliding doors without as much as a backward glance. Unfortunately, my good deeds were rewarded with the brisk Toronto wind. I wrapped my jacket tightly around my waist and trudged forward to my battered, 1998 Toyota Camry that was wedged between a white Porsche and black Mercedes. I put the key in the ignition only to hear the rattle of a dead battery.

Come on now, you haven't failed me yet. I twisted the keys one more time and the engine sputtered to life. Atta girl, I knew you had it in you! I slowly backed out of my parking spot and drove until the sleek buildings disappeared and tiny unkept duplexes came into view. I pulled into my narrow driveway and stared at the faded peeling paint on the side of my unit. I sighed and put the heater on full blast and waited for the tip of my nose to return to its chocolatey color. I caught my reflection in the rearview mirror and couldn't recognize myself. Dark circles had found solitude amongst my poorly concealed face and my glowing smile had drooped into a permanent frown. I was no longer the overly confident girl who had the world at my feet. Instead, I had morphed into a woman who was waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under her with every ticking second. I crumpled onto my steering wheel and attempted to pull myself together but found myself physically incapable of doing so. I was drained, I was tired, I was giving up. I couldn't keep putting myself through this rejection. Fourteen different interviews this month and they all came to the same conclusion: I was too young to understand how the world worked. I screamed and punched my steering wheel setting off the car alarm. Great, just great this is exactly what I needed to finish off my day. I clicked the unlock button, stomped into my kitchen, and set my purse on a bar stool.

"Inara, darling is that you?", a sweet voice called out from behind me.

"Mrs. Sanchez, how are you doing?"

"Ay, how many times have I told you to call me Tia Maria, no more 'Mrs. Snachez' it makes me feel old."

"Alright, alright Tia Maria it is."

"So tell me Mija, how'd the interview go?"

"Like the other thirteen, no luck. They all think I'm not ready."

"Ay, they don't know what they're missing out on. You're the smartest most capable person I've ever met."

"You're too kind Tia," I smiled.

"Never mind that, tell me what you want for dinner."

"No, no I already ate." I lied.

"You sure? I can always whip up some Bandeja Paisa."

"I'm sure. Thank you." I gave her another quick smile and made my way to my room. That woman was too kind for her own good. Tia had offered me a room when she found me balling my eyes out at a grocery store after I had been evicted from my prior apartment. She was a mother of five children but they had all decided to make their way to America leaving Tia to fend for herself in the Canadian wilderness. In the year that I've been here, she's treated me like her own daughter and has never once asked for rent. Rather she chose to spoil me with flavorful Columbian delicacies. Tia would never admit it but I was a burden on her and I couldn't keep taking advantage of her kindness. My savings were running extremely low and the cafe had delayed my paycheck again. I could barely afford a slice of bread let alone this month's rent. I needed to find something quick, even if that meant straying away from my dream job. I groaned into my pillow, hoping for some kind of miracle. Sleep was about to consume me but the rattling of my phone woke me from my delirious state.

"...Hello," I said groggily.

"Nara, babe, I haven't seen you in forever, Come get a drink with me?" My best friend gleaned from the other side of the line.

"Josephine Dudly, I'm depressed and broke. I'm not great company right now. Besides I don't even drink."

"Oh come on Nara, I know you're going to bed hungry again. Let me feed you at least."

"Josie I appreciate the thought but I'm fine, truly."

"Honey you can lie your way through everybody but I've known you too long babe. Come out with me I'll buy you those onion rings you love."

My stomach grumbled at the mention of the crispy dough-covered onions and I caved.

"Fine but you have to let me pay you back for it"

"Of course! In fact, I expect you to be my Sugar Mama when you're a rich psychiatrist. I'll never work a day in my life after that happens."

"I see you're energy remains unmatched Josie."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"You bet. Anyways I'll text you the address and PLEASE wear something cute."

"No promises Jo."

"Whatever I'll see you there Nara."

I pulled myself out of my twin-sized bed and made my way to my closet. "Slim pickings," I thought. I ran my hand across the few pieces I had and decided on a black pair of skinny genes with a cream turtleneck. "Fancy enough," I whispered after taking a glance at myself in the mirror. I bid farewell to Tia before making my way to the restaurant. I pulled up to what seemed like a hotel and let out a low whistle. I pulled out my phone and texted Josie.

"You could have mentioned you were taking me to some fancy-schmancy place."

"I told you to wear something nice."

"Jo you know I can't afford this place and I'm not letting you pay for me at an upscale restaurant like this."

"I knew you would have never agreed if I told you where we were going Inara. Please just let me treat you! You know the law firm pays me well. This is nothing I promise."

"You know I don't like taking handouts, Josie"

"This isn't a handout. I'm doing this because I love you. Just this once. I promise."

"Ok but no more upscale restaurants until I can pay for myself."

"Deal! Now get out of the car and hug me I've missed you!"

I smiled and made my way through the gilded doors and stared at my best friend looking stunning in a black body-con dress. She screamed my name and pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.

"Omg, you've gotten so skinny. Is everything alright?"

"You worry too much about me."

"Yeah because we've been inseparable since the freshman year of college. You're my other half I have the right to worry about you."

I shook my head with a smile as she dragged me to our table.

"So Joe how's work going?"

"Honestly, it's been kind of an upsetting week. I had to deal with car crash victims. Their fami-"

"Could we not talk about this Josie."

"Oh Inara, I'm so sorry, it totally slipped my mind. I didn't mean to bring up the crash!"

"It's ok Jo I know you didn't mean to."

"Hey, Inara..."

"Yeah, Jo."

"Don't get mad at me but I think it would be really good for you to go to some type of therapy. You know...get some type of closure."

"Jo it's hard for me. They were my parents...my family."

"I know but-"

"Jo I just don't think it's a good idea for me to open up old wounds, especially when I'm in such a sensitive state right now..."

"I get that Nara but you have to face the music someday. It's been years babe. You have to talk to somebody. I'm worried about you."

"I- I'll think about it...ok"

"That's all I ask", she said as she reached for my hand with her perfectly manicured nails.

Our food arrived on gold-rimmed plates and an accompanying mouth-watering aroma. I took a bite of the garlic and mozzarella-covered pasta and reveled in the flavors. I savored every bite allowing myself to forget about my worries for one evening. Josie on the other hand seemed quite preoccupied with her phone and could not stop rolling her eyes at every incoming text.

"What's wrong Jo," I asked as I bit into my promised onion rings.

"Oh, nothing just one of my upscale clients being an absolute handful."

"Oh, is something serious going on at work?"

"No, no he needs an NDA drafted for a nanny of all things. And he's given me a deadline of tomorrow."

"Why so last minute?"

"Something about having to start interviews before he leaves town."

I nodded as I took a sip of my sparkling grape juice.

"Nara you don't understand. These rich people are crazy. I mean for god's sake he's offering twenty thousand dollars per month to watch a newborn! Oh, and that is not the end of it. They want some upscale educated nanny with tons of experience. Like hello, being a nanny is usually a backup plan."

"Wow that's a lot of money"

"You can say that again. For God's sake if I had known being a nanny would bring me bags of cash I would have never become a lawyer."

"Jo stop lying to yourself you love your job."

"Yeah, I do. I could never deal with children. I don't know how you did it during your residency.", she ranted and took a large gulp of her pale wine.

"Wait a minute Nara. Why don't you apply?"

"Funny"

"No, I'm serious. You're Einstein-level smart and have tons of experience with kids. I mean didn't you specialize in child psychiatry."

"I don't think 'child psychiatry' counts as experience."

"Inara you're right. It counts for a lot more. You need to apply!"

"I don't know Jo it's not exactly my cup of tea."

"But it's better than working at that stupid cafe. Besides at least you get to take care of someone almost like working at a hospital.", Josie hummed in delight.

"Mhm, not the same appeal."

"Why don't you just try? I'm not asking you to change career paths, just take a little break from job searching. Because I know, for a fact, that everybody will be begging for you to work for them after a few years."

"I mean you're not wrong...but I'm not sure."

"Look I'll recommend you and everything. The money is good and you'll never have to worry about the bills being paid."

I paused and thought for a moment. She's right. I'm three hundred and thirty-six dollars away from being broke. I needed to find a good-paying job and fast. Maybe this was the miracle I was hoping for.

"I'll give it a shot."

"Perfect! I'll get you the forms and address. You've got this in the bag babe!"

*******************************************

The next morning I awoke early to the gentle thumping of rain against my small window. I stared at my blank ceiling questioning where I went wrong. I did exactly what was supposed to: get ahead, work hard, and study even harder. Look where that's brought me. To a dingy poorly ventilated room with nothing but empty pockets. Where do I go from here? I stayed like that for what seemed like hours waiting.  Waiting for my depressed thoughts to be clouded by to need to survive. Waiting for a reason to pull me out of bed. My melancholy thoughts were soon interrupted by an incoming call. I pulled my hand out from under the comfort of my blanket and answered.

"Hello."

"Hey Nara, do you think you could meet me in like an hour for the paperwork?"

"Sure Jo, where do you want to meet?"

"Hmm, how about The Chocolate Bar? It's been ages since I've had one of their cookies."

"Sounds good, I'll see you then"

"Alright love you, Nara!"

"Love you too Josie."

I threw my phone onto the side table and forced myself into the bathroom. I splashed my face with cold water praying it would jolt some life back into me. I went through the motions and pulled on the same outfit from yesterday's dinner only this time I slipped on a pair of strappy black heels. A choice that I knew I would regret in the next hour or so.

I stumbled into The Chocolate Bar after almost slipping on puddles of rain. Stupid shoes. Thankfully, the delightful aroma of cocoa powder and sugar eased my frustrations. I quickly found Josie flirting with one of the baristas and couldn't help but roll my eyes. That girl was always on the lookout for her next conquest. I hopped onto a stool in the corner of the shop and watched as Josie worked her magic. I smirked as she strutted over to me waving a napkin with a number on it.

"You can't help it can you?"

"I'm uncurable Doctor Kabir! I don't know what to do," she mocked.

We both broke into a fit of laughter that brought tears to my eyes.

"Ok, ok. Let's get down to business. My stupid boss just scheduled a stupid mandatory meeting," Josie said in irritation.

"Of course Jo."

She handed over a sizable stack of forms and I raised my eyebrows in question.

"I know. Ridiculous right? But lucky for you, I'm an amazing friend and filled out most of it. You just have to sign here and here."

"Have I told you you're the creme de la creme?"

"No need Nara, I know."

"So humble."

"Oh and yeah...I might have forgotten to tell you that...I told him that you'd come in for an interview in like 45-ish minutes."

"WHAT!?!," I screamed.

A few customers turned to look at us with disgust while we smiled sheepishly in response. I faced Jo and started screaming at her in hushed whispers.

"Josephine tell me you joking right now."

She just stared at me in mock sympathy.

"I take it back. You're not the creme de la creme. Not right now at least."

"Oh come on Nara, you might as well get it over with. The sooner the better eh."

"I'm not even dressed for an interview, I don't have my resume, and I'M NOT MENTALLY PREPARED FOR THIS SHIT!"

"Oh honey, you should know me better by now. I bought you a dress on the way over here, I have your resume right here, and you have like 38 minutes to get mentally prepared."

"How'd you get my resume?"

"I have connections."

"I can't believe you."

"Better believe it, babe."

She handed me a bag of clothing and shoved me towards the cafe bathroom. I struggled to get into the backless, curve-hugging dress in the small stall. after finally getting the zipper up, I stared at the black tule sleeves and

centered the white scarf before walking out.

"Ok, hot stuff. I see you!" Josie called out.

"I have to admit: you did good. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm going to be freezing my ass off," I quipped back.

"You know what they say, beauty is pain."

I laughed while she handed me the address and wished me good luck.

"Tell me how it goes Nara"

"Will do."

I hopped into my car and rehearsed my answers to common interview questions feeling oddly confident in myself. Maybe it was the dress. I eventually pulled up to an unnerving glass skyscraper with the word Aman Enterprises sprawled across it. This couldn't be it, right? I pulled out my phone to check the address and sure enough, I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I took a deep breath and walked towards the building with my heels clicking against the damp pavement. I looked up at the large gloomy building that could be my saving grace. Here goes nothing.