Page 74 of Before Dawn

I nodded, pulling out my phone to jot down the details.Focus on the facts. Don’t overthink this.

“The pay rate is $17.95 an hour, paid biweekly,” she continued, handing me a clipboard. “Fill out this form when you’re ready.”

I took the form, my fingers tightening slightly around the pen before I forced myself to relax.It’s just paperwork, Abigail. You’ve got this.

“The dress code is casual, with a few restrictions,” she added.

“That sounds perfect. Thanks so much,” I said, smiling despite the flutter in my stomach.

Adeline grinned, tucking a stray strand of purple hair behind her ear. “We’re excited to have you! You’ll start Monday. If you need anything, feel free to call.”

I handed the form back, relief washing over me in slow waves.Okay, that wasn’t bad. You didn’t screw up. Everything’s fine.

“Thank you, Adeline. I’m really looking forward to it.”

“See you Monday!”

Stepping out ofBook Culture, I pulled my coat tighter against the afternoon air. The nerves from my interview still lingered, but beneath them, something else stirred—relief. Maybe even a spark of excitement.

A fresh start. A new routine. It wasn’t so terrifying when I thought about it like that.

As I walked down the street, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

Aurora:How did the interview go?

Me:Really well!

Me:I’ll send you my schedule later.

Aurora:Great! Are you excited?

Me:I’m a little nervous, but I’m okay. It’s perfect until graduation. I’ve started my apprenticeship applications.

Me:Once I have my degree and transcripts, I can submitthem.

Aurora:I’m so proud of you! If you need anything, just let me know.

Me:Thanks, sis! Ttyl.

I smiled, tucked my phone away, and walked into the nail salon, where Kody greeted me with her usual energy.

“What are we doing today?” she asked, already settling me into the chair.

“Something simple but cute,” I said, showing her a soft pink design with delicate white lines.

Kody grinned. “Love it. You always go for the classics.”

As she worked, I let my body sink into the chair, the week’s stress slowly fading. When she finished, she lifted my hands for me to admire.

“What do you think?”

“I’m obsessed.”

Kody chuckled. “That’s the goal.”

After admiring my nails for a few more moments, I left the shop feeling… lighter. Like, for the first time in a while, things were actually falling into place.

Not ready to head home just yet, I stopped byThe Cozy Corner Cafédown the street. The warm scent of freshly brewed coffee and vanilla wrapped around me as I stepped inside. I ordered a lavender latte and found a quiet corner by the window, ready to sit, sip, and breathe.

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