Chapter 1 – The First Step
Maya Reynolds stepped off the bus with nothing but a backpack and a heart full of regret. The city smelled like rain and grease, the pavement slick beneath her worn-out sneakers. She tightened her grip on the straps of her bag, resisting the urge to turn around and disappear.
No more running.
A block ahead, The Haven sat tucked between a laundromat and a pawn shop, its flickering neon sign buzzing against the dim evening sky. It wasn't much, but it was a start—a job, a chance, maybe even a lifeline.
Her stomach twisted as she reached for the handle and pushed inside. The scent of grilled onions and fresh coffee hit her first, followed by the low hum of conversation. A few customers sat at the counter, bent over plates of food, while a server weaved between tables with practiced ease.
Behind the counter stood a woman—mid-fifties, sharp eyes, no-nonsense posture. Sue. The owner. The one who decided whether Maya stayed or walked right back out that door.
"You're late," Sue said, barely looking up as she wiped down the counter.
Maya swallowed hard. "The bus—"
"No excuses." Sue tossed the rag into a bucket. "If you want to work here, you show up early. Got it?"
Maya nodded.
Sue studied her for a long moment before sighing. "Follow me."
She led Maya through the narrow kitchen, past the clatter of dishes and the sizzle of a fryer. The heat pressed against her skin, a reminder that she was stepping into something real, something that required effort.
"Locker's over there," Sue said, pointing to a dented metal cabinet. "Apron's inside. You start now."
Maya hesitated. "I—uh, I appreciate this. Really."
Sue raised a brow. "Don't thank me yet. Just do the job."
Maya nodded, slipping on the apron with shaky hands. She wasn't sure if she could do this, if she could keep from screwing it all up.
But as she stepped onto the floor, ready to take her first order, she made herself a promise.
One day at a time. One step at a time.
And maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't fall this time.