As the hotel's automatic doors slid open with a soft hiss, Alex Walton stepped into the crisp afternoon air. His navy suit caught the light just right, as though it had been waiting for a runway. He adjusted his cuffs with a practiced motion before sliding into the backseat of the black sedan parked right outside.
Dave, his long-time driver, nodded from the front seat. "Mall inspection next, sir?"
Alex gave a slight nod. "Start the car."
They pulled into traffic with smooth efficiency. Halfway to their destination, Alex's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Mom.
He answered. "Hello, Mom."
"Alex, dear," came the warm voice of Evelyn Sylveria. "Did you just finish at the hotel?"
"Yes. The inspection went well. I'm headed to the mall now for the next round."
"Oh," she hesitated briefly. "I'm still at the hotel restaurant. I was hoping you could meet someone—an old business friend of mine. But if you're already on the way, then… it's fine."
Alex leaned back, his voice calm but final. "I'm already en route, Mom. But give your friend my greetings, will you?"
"I will," she replied, her tone amused. "Don't work too hard, mister perfection."
"I'll try." He ended the call with a soft exhale, slipping the phone back into his pocket.
Unbeknownst its the same lady from earlier in the elevator lobby, Evelyn had encountered a young woman with a faint coffee stain on her collar and nerves in her eyes. With her usual grace, she had removed her lavender scarf and offered it to the girl—a simple, thoughtful gesture, unburdened by curiosity or expectation.
To Evelyn, it was nothing more than kindness.
To the girl, it would be a moment to remember.
Luna's POV – Phone Conversation
On the way to her apartment, Luna dialed her mother's number. The line clicked, and a familiar, gentle voice greeted her.
"Hello, Mom," Luna began softly, careful to keep her tone steady. "I wanted to call and let you know I'm doing okay. The interview went well... I think. They said they'll notify me later, so I'm hopeful."
There was a pause on the other end, then her mother replied, her voice both warm and a little weary. "That's good to hear, Luna. We just worry about you out there. It's a big city, and you're so far from home."
Luna smiled, even though her mother couldn't see it. "I know, Mom. But I'm careful. I promise I'm fine. I'm just taking it one step at a time."
Her mother's voice softened, a whisper of love through the phone. "That's all we want—to know you're safe and happy."
After a moment, Luna changed the subject with a lighter tone. "Oh, and I stopped by the market on my way home. I picked up some lunch for Bella and me. You know how she's been helping me through all this."
"That's thoughtful of you, dear," her mother said, a smile audible in her words. "And don't skip always eat your lunch in time."
Luna's heart warmed. "Yes, Mom i will."There was a brief sigh on the other end. "That's good to hear. But, Luna, I have to tell you... your uncle has been asking for money again. He says his son wants to start a business."
Luna's brow furrowed slightly. "Again? Didn't they borrow some before and haven't paid it back yet?"
Her mother's voice tightened with frustration. "Yes, that's what I don't understand. They haven't paid back a single cent from last time. And now he's calling every few days, expecting us to send more."
Luna clenched her jaw softly but kept her tone calm. "I'm sorry, Mom. I wish I could do more right now."
Her mother softened. "Don't worry about it, Luna. Just focus on yourself. We'll manage somehow."
Luna nodded, though her parents couldn't see it. "I will, Mom. And I promise, I'll work hard to help the family soon."
After a pause, Luna smiled lightly. "By the way, give the phone to Silvi let me speak to her!"
There was a giggle through the phone. "Hello sister, I miss you so much!"
"Hey, Silvi," she teased playfully as soon as the line connected. "If you want gifts when I come back, you better hit the books hard!"
There was a burst of giggles from the other end. "I will! I'm going to study every day, I promise! I want to make you proud."
"You already do," Luna said, her voice tender. "Just keep going, okay? We're both working toward better things."
"I won't let you down!" Silvi declared with youthful determination.
Luna smiled and whispered, "I know you won't. I love you."
"Love you too, Luna!" Silvi chirped before the line went dead.
Luna set the phone down, feeling the warmth of family support wrap around her like a soft blanket. The road ahead was uncertain, but with them behind her, she felt ready to face whatever came next.
Luna stepped through the door of their small apartment, balancing the paper bag of lunch in one hand as she nudged it shut behind her with a bump of her hip.
"Look who's back with a packed lunch," she announced playfully, holding up the bag like a prize. "Your beloved and sweet best friend, here to save you from turning into a starving ghost."
From the couch, Bella dramatically clutched her stomach and gasped, "Yes, my sweetheart! I love you so much. Thank you for bringing me lunch—I was about to fade into the spirit realm. You're the best."
Luna laughed, setting the bag down on the table. "Flattery will get you an extra dumpling."
"I'll flatter you all day then," Bella grinned, already peeking into the bag. "Ooh, stir-fry and jasmine rice—my soul is healed."
The two of them settled in with their lunch, the comforting aroma of the food filling the room.
As she opened her container, Luna sighed softly. "So... I had the interview."
Bella paused, chopsticks halfway to her mouth. "And? How'd it go?"
Luna chewed thoughtfully before answering. "It went well, I think. They said they'll notify me later, so... now it's just the waiting game. I tried to stay calm but—ugh—my nerves were doing backflips."
Bella gave her a sympathetic look. "You did your best, and that's what matters. You've come so far, Luna. I'm proud of you."
Luna smiled faintly. "Thanks. It meant a lot knowing you were cheering me on. I even called home afterward."
She paused, her expression growing a little more serious. "Mom's okay, but she said Uncle's asking for money again. His son wants to start a business, but... they haven't even paid back what they borrowed last time."
Bella groaned. "Seriously? The audacity."
"I know," Luna sighed. "I just feel so helpless sometimes. I want to help them, but right now, I can barely help myself."
Bella leaned over and bumped her shoulder gently. "You're already doing enough. You're trying. That's more than most."
Luna nodded slowly, letting the warmth of her friend's words settle in. She picked up a dumpling and smiled. "Okay, but seriously, I'm not giving you this extra one unless you stop making me emotional."
Bella chuckled. "Deal. But I might cry anyway—these dumplings are that good."