DAISY LORNE

Just like in my daily routine, I visited my mom to help her with house chores and ended up staying a little longer because she was advised not to stress herself. I moved out of our family home because it was too far from my workplace, so I had to rent an apartment nearby. I currently work at Ray Tech as an attendant. Unfortunately, I’m often sent on errands like a child simply because I am an undergraduate, and I sometimes feel looked down upon. To make matters worse, my salary is low because I mentioned during the interview that I’m a dropout. 

Working in such a large company for a small salary, I realize the fault isn't with the CEO; my wages have been tampered with. Unfortunately, I have no choice, and I also need another job to support myself and my family. I work an 8-hour shift each day, and after that, I go to a second job for 5 hours, followed by a third job. I’m grateful that I was able to find these opportunities; the tasks aren't too difficult, but they can be stressful, which is why I’m able to manage multiple jobs.

I was on my way home when I tripped and nearly fell to the ground. Fortunately, I managed to grip onto a nearby pole and steady myself. I got up and tried to act normal again.

I haven't changed a bit; I'm still clumsy, and to top it off, I'm short. How is it possible that I tripped while wearing flat slippers after taking off my heels? The floor wasn't slippery at all. Oh my God, this is so embarrassing! I really need to do something about my clumsiness; otherwise, I might hurt myself if I can't control it. I hope no one saw me.

Oh, my bed! At last, we can be together again for some warmth. My body is aching and tired from working as a technical assistant, where I print documents, compose emails, answer phone calls, and schedule meetings. I also work as a waitress at a restaurant. My voice is cracking from talking all day, so I'm really looking forward to some good sleep.

When I opened my eyes, it was already morning. It seemed I had fallen asleep while talking to myself. I got up and decided to cook something to bring to my family. We should eat together.

“Mom, Dad, John, I'm back! I brought food for us to enjoy together.” John came to the door and greeted me. 

“Sister, welcome! Wow, you brought us food!” he exclaimed. 

“Yes, it’s for us to eat together,” I replied. We all sat down in the dining room, and I set the table before we began to eat.

“Mom, I really miss your cooking, especially the rice and sauce,” I said with a smile.

“I know it's been a while since you've had my food. Don’t worry; next time just let me know when you’re coming so I can prepare something for you. But since you brought food for us…” she said.

“Yeah, that’s fine,” I replied.

“Dad, did you notice that my sister’s cooking tastes just like Mom's?” John asked.

“Absolutely! You’re right; it tastes the same. My daughter has definitely inherited her mother’s cooking skills,” Dad agreed.

We enjoyed our meal and had a great time together. I felt less stressed once again.

"Bye," I bid farewell to them and told Mom not to worry much about her condition, that it was going to be alright, and that I was making some preparations. I lied because I didn't have the money, but I needed to assure her so that she would not worry much about it.

MIRA CLOWD

 I met Daisy in college, and we were both in the same department, taking the same course. However, I feel sad that we won’t be graduating together. I understand her situation, which is why I sent her some food items last month. She doesn’t always appreciate it when I send her goods, but it’s my way of expressing sympathy, love, and care for her as a friend. I knew she was trying to save money for her mother, and I would have helped her if I had the funds.

"Everybody just wants to be a streamer and famous these days," I mumbled to myself. While I was buying food items, I noticed a group of people live-streaming. It seemed that Twitch had become popular among everyone. While they were inside the store, I tried to avoid them and accidentally bumped into a stranger’s shopping cart.

"Ahh, I’m sorry," I exclaimed, looking at the items before glancing up at the owner. He was smiling at me, and he was incredibly attractive, with a strong charm.

"It’s alright! There’s no damage at all. How about you, miss?" he replied.

"I’m okay. I’m really sorry. I didn’t look when I turned around. I saw the live streamers and wanted to avoid them so I wouldn’t obstruct their view. That’s why I’m over here. I didn’t want to be part of their funny tricks," I explained.

He smiled again. 

"I understand. Actually, that’s the same reason I bumped into you," he said. "Anyway, I’ll go this way, and you can go that way too. Does that work for you?"

"Okay, I’m sorry once again," I said and moved to the right. He smiled again.

"No problem at all; I’m also sorry," he replied. I smiled back and continued to push my cart, as I still had items to buy and needed Daisy’s help with my school project.

"I knew you would be here. Thankfully, today is my day off," Daisy said when I arrived. As I entered, she closed the door, and I handed her the food items. She took them into the kitchen and placed them on the cabinet.

"I’m going to cook something. Stay for a while, okay?" Daisy asked.

"Yes, of course. I need your help with my homework," I replied, and she smiled.

"No problem, just wait," she said. I watched her as she prepared lunch.

Daisy is an excellent cook, and I always try to learn from her. I attempt to replicate what I learn when I get home. My mom is actually amazed by her cooking skills and likes Daisy so much that she even added $150 to what I had saved up to buy food for her.