Faith in the Storm
Lara's day went from bad to worse. She arrived at her second job, a small boutique where she worked part-time, only to face a similar scene. The owner was apologetic but firm – with the loan sharks causing trouble, they couldn't risk having her around. Lara's frustration grew, but as a strong believer, she clenched her teeth and whispered a prayer. It was God's way to test her loyalty, she told herself. Everything would be fine.
Getting home, reality hit hard. She'd have to make do with the last bit of food at home – not enough for three days. Lara steeled herself. Tomorrow, she'd find a new job. She'd believed in God's plan, but as the day went on, it seemed like the universe was conspiring against her.
The next day, Lara scoured the streets, applying to every shop with a "Vacancy" sign. But it was like hitting a brick wall. Every shop said no, some politely, others bluntly.
Exhaustion and desperation crept in. Finally, a kind-hearted vendor took her aside.
"Lara, I'm telling you this out of goodwill. You've offended the local big shot. He said not to give you a job till you pay your debt."
Lara's eyes widened. "What? Who is he?"
The vendor shook his head. "Don't know his name, but he's got influence. Says you're trouble, Lara."
Lara felt like she'd hit rock bottom. Helpless and tired, she trudged home, laid on her bed, and let her thoughts drift.
The banging on her door jolted her awake. Her landlord's voice boomed through the door. Lara's heart sank. Rent was due in four days, and she didn't have a dime. She opened the door, forcing a smile.
"Hi, landlord—"
The landlord's expression was stern, unlike his usual amiable self. "Lara, I need the rent. You promised end of month. Now."
Lara swallowed. "I... I had issues. Just a few more days—"
"No more extensions, Lara. You know the rules. Pay up or..."
The door seemed to loom over her.
Eviction.
Homelessness.
The abyss yawned open.
As the landlord's words hung in the air, Lara's phone buzzed.
A text.
She glanced down.
Unknown number: "Need help? Meet me at address on the card. -V"
Lara's eyes widened. The mysterious man. The one she'd thrown the card away. Was this a lifeline, or a step into the unknown?
She looked up at the landlord, his face unyielding. She looked back at the phone.
What would she do?
Lara took a breath, maybe, just maybe, this was God giving her a way out
She knew where she'd go.
The darkness waited, but so did she.