Ever sat by the window watching her toddlers running up and down and laughing. She smiled, feeling grateful for these two little blessings, but as she gazed out of the window, her mind began to wander back into the past.
Ever stepped off the bus and onto the worn sidewalk, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar streets. She clutched her small suitcase tightly, the weight of her few belongings a reminder of all she'd left behind.
After a short walk, she arrived at a modest hotel, the sign creaking in the gentle breeze. Ever pushed open the door and approached the front desk.
"Room, please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The clerk, a bored-looking woman with a scrunchie holding back her hair, raised an eyebrow. "That'll be $50."
Ever handed over the cash, wincing as she realized it left her with barely enough for a meal.
As she took the key and turned to leave, the clerk's expression turned cold. "You know, we don't get many... women like you coming in here."
Ever's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
The clerk sneered. "You're clearly down on your luck. Probably ran out on your husband, huh?"
Ever's face stung, but she tried to stay calm. "That's none of your business."
The clerk snorted. "Whatever. We don't do charity here. Did you think a place to sleep is $50? You must be dreaming. I'm calling the manager."
A few minutes later, a gruff-looking man appeared, his face stern. "You're not a paying customer. You're just using us for a free roof over your head."
Ever protested, but the manager cut her off. "Get out. Now."
As Ever gathered her belongings, the clerk's parting shot echoed in her ears: "You'll be back on the streets where you belong."
Ever stumbled out into the cool evening air, just as the sky opened up and a torrent of rain came pouring down. She kept trying her luck.
After a whole hour she knocked on another door, her eyes red from crying.
The door creaks open to reveal an older woman, cautiously peering out.
hesitant "Yes? Can I help you?"
"I'm sorry to bother you, ma'am. My name is Ever Miller. I... I just arrived in this city. I don't have anywhere to stay, and I was hoping just for the night you could spare a couch or even just some space on the floor. her voice cracking, trying to hold her tears.
"Do I know you? Are you in trouble?" Studying her cautiously.
"No, no trouble. I left my home, my old life, with nothing. I'll find a job soon, I promise, but I just... I just need somewhere safe tonight." She said, shaking her head, tears streaming.
"You don't have any family? Friends you could call?"
"I had a husband... but he's not in my life anymore. I have no one, ma'am. Just this suitcase and... she broke down crying.
"Come in, child. Let's get you out of that rain. I don't have much, but you can stay on the couch for now, she sighed, opening the door wider.
"Thank you. Thank you so much. I'll work, I'll clean, I'll…
"Hush now. You look like you haven't eaten. Let me get you something warm. We'll figure out the rest tomorrow, she interrupted her.
Eve steps inside, her hands trembling as she wipes her face. She looks around the modest home, overwhelmed by the simple act of kindness.
"I'll make it. I have to. "He must regret it," she murmured to herself.
It has been a week since she'd taken a chance on a stranger's house, moving in with gratitude. Just when she was keeping the house clean, Liam, who was the old lady's son, came unexpectedly drunk.
"Well, well, well, who do we have here?" his voice rambling when he notices Ever.
"I'm Ever...stepping back. "Your mom was kind enough to offer me a home."
"Kind, huh? That's Ma, always taking in strays. You know kindness around here doesn't come free, he said, smirking.
I've been helping her with house chores. I'm not here to take advantage of anything", she said, her voice very tense but composed.
"Oh, I'm sure you did your best, but maybe you can do more…. to earn your keep," his voice turned sinister.
"I think that's enough!" she said, her voice firm, backing away.
"Don't act so mighty; you're here because you don't have a place to go, so maybe you should be… grateful," he slurred, grabbing her arm.
"Let go of me! I'm not that cheap! pulling herself away, her voice loud.
"Stop pretending you're better than this; you need me, " he said aggressively.
Panicking and determined, Ever saw a vase knocked on his head; she then ran toward a corner where she put her only suitcase.
"What's going on here!? The old lady was shocked.
"He tried; he tried to hurt me.! her voice trembling, tears streaming.
"Liam, what's going on with you!? She turned to him very furious.
Without wasting time, Ever took her suitcase and stormed out.
The sound of the ringing phone buzzed, and then that's when it came into realization that it was all over.