Door slam
"What are you doing in my room? Get out. You're fired!" James shouted, his back still turned while sitting on his wheel chair, voice sharp and cold.
"I came to tell you… I resigned."
A bitter laugh escaped him. "Are you deaf? I said you're fired. When you're fired, you don't get to resign.
"Oh…"
The house help hesitated for a second, then quietly walked out, the silence heavier than before.
"James!" his mother's voice cut through the tension as she stepped in. "You can't heal if you keep pushing everyone away," she said firmly before turning and leaving just as quickly.
The door clicked shut again.
Door creaks open.
"When will you pay me my money?" The landlord's voice was harsh, impatient. "You've owed me for too long."
"I… I… we…" Juliet's voice trembled, her words breaking apart as panic gripped her chest.
Juliet was all Amanda had. Since losing their parents, she had carried the weight of being both sister and guardian. She had given up everything—her dreams, her education—so Amanda could stay in school.
Now Amanda was in the university, studying Mechanical Engineering… and Juliet was drowning.
"Sir, please," Juliet pleaded, her voice barely steady. "I know I've delayed you. You've been patient… just give me five more days. I'll get the money. I promise."
The landlord stared at her for a moment, then exhaled sharply. "Five days. Not a day more."
He turned and walked away.
Juliet sank into herself, burying her face in her palms. "Where am I going to get two hundred and fifty thousand?" she whispered, her voice breaking.
"Big sis…" Amanda moved closer, her voice soft but determined. "Don't worry. We'll find a way. We always do."
Juliet slowly stood up, forcing strength into her shaking legs. Without another word, she grabbed her bag and stepped out.
She had no plan.
Only five days.