Seven years. It was hard to believe that so much time had passed since that day in the doctor's office. So much had changed, and yet, in many ways, everything felt the same. Every morning, I woke up to the sound of my son, Olivier, calling for me from his bedroom. His laughter filled the small apartment we shared, bringing light to even the darkest of days. He was my anchor, my reason for pushing forward when everything seemed so overwhelming.
After I lost my job at the company, I found myself drifting from one job to another, never quite finding a place that would accept me for who I was. Every interview seemed promising at first, but once they learned about my situation, the same polite rejection followed.
"We're looking for someone who's a better fit for our company culture," they'd say. Or, "We just don't think this is the right time for you to join our team."
The meaning behind their words was always clear. A pregnant male was too much of a liability, too much of an oddity for them to handle. It was like I was suddenly less capable because of something I couldn't control.
Eventually, I stopped hoping for a corporate job and started looking elsewhere. That's when I found the bookstore. Or rather, it found me.
The tiny shop, tucked away on a quiet street corner, had a warm, inviting atmosphere. The sign outside read "The Book Nook" in faded gold letters. I'd passed by it dozens of times, never once thinking it might be the place where I'd finally feel at home.
"Are you hiring?" I asked one day, more out of desperation than hope.
The woman behind the counter, a kind-eyed lady named Evelyn, looked up from her book with a smile. "As a matter of fact, we are. Can you start tomorrow?"
I blinked in surprise. "You don't even know anything about me."
Evelyn chuckled softly. "I know enough. I've seen you walk by here almost every day. You look like someone who could use a fresh start. And honestly, I could use the help."
And just like that, I became the newest employee of The Book Nook. It wasn't glamorous, and the pay wasn't great, but it was a job, and I was grateful for it.
The bookstore quickly became a sanctuary for me. Surrounded by shelves filled with stories, I found comfort in the quiet routine of stacking books, helping customers find what they were looking for, and organizing the weekly book club meetings. It was simple work, but it gave me a sense of purpose that I hadn't felt in a long time.
Evelyn was more than just a boss; she became a friend, a confidante. She never pried into my past, never asked why I was there or what had happened before. She just accepted me for who I was, and that was enough.
One day, as I was arranging a display of new arrivals, Evelyn came up beside me, holding a cup of coffee.
"How's Olivier doing?" she asked, her voice soft and genuine.
I smiled, thinking of my son. "He's good. Started first grade last week. He's been talking about it nonstop ever since."
Evelyn chuckled. "I bet he's making friends left and right. He's got that charm about him, just like his dad."
I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. "I don't know about that, but he's definitely got a lot of energy."
We fell into a comfortable silence, working side by side. The bookstore was empty, save for a couple of regulars quietly browsing the shelves.
"You know, Seren," Evelyn said after a while, her tone turning more serious. "You've been here for seven years now. You've become such an important part of this place. I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you do."
I looked at her, surprised by the sudden sentiment. "Thank you, Evelyn. That means a lot."
She nodded, then hesitated before speaking again. "I also want you to know… if you ever need anything, anything at all, you just have to ask. You're like family to me, and I want to make sure you and Olivier are taken care of."
A lump formed in my throat at her words. It was rare to find such kindness and understanding, especially after everything I'd been through. "Thank you," I managed to say, my voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I would've done without you."
Evelyn waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, nonsense. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Seren. You've been through a lot, more than most people can imagine. And yet, here you are, raising a wonderful son and bringing light to this little shop every day."
I looked down, trying to hide the tears that threatened to spill over. She was right. I had been through a lot. But somehow, I'd found a way to keep going, to keep moving forward. And as I looked around the cozy bookstore, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I was exactly where I was meant to be.
"Thank you, Evelyn," I said again, this time with a smile. "I think I'm starting to believe that."
And for the first time in a long time, I felt a glimmer of hope that maybe things were going to be okay. Maybe this wasn't the life I had planned, but it was my life. And I was going to make the most of it, for Olivier and for myself.