Kevin Atienza
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue over our modest apartment. I was slowly roused from my slumber by the unmistakable sound of Elvie's voice, sharp and demanding, cutting through the quietude of the morning.
"Kevin! Wake up!" Her tone held a sense of urgency that instantly jolted me awake. I blinked a few times, my eyes adjusting to the light, and saw her standing at the foot of our bed. Her fiery red hair was tousled from a restless night's sleep, her piercing blue eyes bearing a mixture of annoyance and impatience. She wore a silk robe that shimmered in the morning light, a stark contrast to my worn-out pajamas.
I sat up, my mind still foggy from sleep, trying to make sense of the situation. "Elvie, it's early," I mumbled, my voice thick with drowsiness. "What's going on?"
Elvie let out an exasperated sigh, her perfectly manicured nails tapping impatiently on her arm. "Kevin, I need money," she stated bluntly, her impatience radiating like a palpable force. "I have an audition for a modeling gig today, and I need a new dress to impress the casting director. You know how important this is for my career."
I sighed inwardly, the weight of our financial struggles creeping back into my consciousness. We had been living on a financial tightrope for months, and my recent job loss at the bank had only made things worse. "Elvie," I began, trying to choose my words carefully, "we're really tight on money right now. I need to pay our rent this week, and I'm not sure if we can afford a new dress for your audition."
Elvie's face twisted into a frown, and she rolled her eyes in a way that had become all too familiar. "Kevin, you work at a bank, for crying out loud! It's your obligation to provide for me. Can't you just make a loan or something? It's not that hard."
I shook my head, feeling a sense of frustration and helplessness welling up inside me. "It doesn't work like that, Elvie. I can't just approve a loan for myself, and even if I could, we're barely keeping up with our monthly expenses as it is."
She crossed her arms, her impatience now giving way to irritation. "You always find excuses, Kevin. This is your responsibility, and I can't believe you're letting me down like this."
As I gazed at her, the woman I had once believed to be the love of my life, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of disillusionment. Our relationship had been strained for some time now, and it seemed that our financial woes were pushing us further apart. With a heavy heart, I realized that I had no choice but to give in to her demands, even though it meant jeopardizing our already precarious financial situation.
After reluctantly handing over the money to Elvie, I watched as she snatched it from my hand without a word of thanks, her arrogance leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. She didn't even say goodbye; she simply turned on her heels and left the room, her focus solely on herself and her audition.
I sighed deeply and trudged into the kitchen, my heart heavy with a sense of resignation. The apartment felt emptier with her departure, and the silence was deafening. I hoped that maybe she would have left a note, a small gesture to acknowledge the sacrifice I had made for her, but the table remained bare. There was no food prepared, no message of appreciation.
With a heavy heart, I decided to make a cup of coffee for myself. It was a small comfort in a world that seemed to demand so much from me, yet offer so little in return. As I sipped the bitter brew, I couldn't help but wonder if this was the life I had signed up for, one where my sacrifices were expected and taken for granted, while my own needs and dreams were pushed to the background. The bitterness of the coffee seemed to mirror the bitterness I felt in my heart as I contemplated the choices I had made and the path my life had taken.
After finishing my cup of coffee and collecting my thoughts, I knew I had to get ready for work. I quickly made my way to the bathroom, determined to face the challenges of the day ahead. The warm water from the shower washed away the lingering frustration and resentment, if only temporarily, and I emerged feeling somewhat refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
With a sense of urgency, I dressed in my work attire, a crisp white shirt and a neatly pressed suit. Time was of the essence, and I couldn't afford to be late. I grabbed my briefcase, double-checking to ensure that I had all the necessary documents and files I would need at the bank.
Rushing through the apartment, I glanced one last time at the empty table where no breakfast awaited me. With a sigh, I stoic myself to another day of hard work and unspoken sacrifices. I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to life than this, but for now, I had responsibilities to fulfill.
I hurried out the door and made my way to the train station, the bustling city coming to life around me. The morning rush was in full swing, and I joined the throngs of commuters on the platform, eager to catch the next train to the bank. The clock was ticking, and I couldn't afford to be late.
As the train pulled into the station, I boarded quickly and found a seat, pulling out my work materials to make the most of my commute. Today, like every other day, I was determined to give my all at the bank, despite the challenges that awaited me. It was a new day, and with it came the hope that things might eventually get better, that my hard work would lead to a brighter future.