It's just a normal Tuesday.. Woosah!

Every morning since I’ve lived on my own, I’d wake up from the same nightmare exactly 4 minutes before my alarm goes off.. and I’d just stare at my ceiling for those 4 minutes in complete silence. In that nightmare I’m covered with a blanket and I’d hear hospital sirens until everything goes completely silent..

My alarm should go off in 3, 2..

*RING*RING*RING*

My coffee machine is set to start brewing 10 minutes before my alarm so that it can cool down while I get ready.

I slip into my Tuesday gym fit, grab my coffee and make my way out the door.

I look at my watch, it’s 4:29am so with the morning traffic, I should get to my gym right when it opens.

5:00 am

“Good morning Ms. Lin!”

I smile quietly in response to the workers unlocking the door for me.

“You’re never too early, haha”

I giggle at their same jokes every morning and head to my private studio. My Tuesday workout begins with stretching. I lay my yoga mat on the gym floor and place my earphones on.

While I stretch in my silence of loud music. The bass speaks to my body to move and forces my heart to work quicker.

I move on to the stair master, my favorite part of my workout routine. I change my playlist to something more calm and quiet and begin my 2 hour climb while enjoying book 3 of my favorite novel series “Valerion Kingdom: Conquering the world”.

6:59:59 am

*RING*RING*

I only read 205 pages in two hours?! I really need to control my inner laughter, my teary eyes were getting in the way. Entaria is definitely my favorite person in this book.. She’s the older sibling I wish I had. My older brother is the most useless person on the planet.

I never met my mother, I was told she passed away when I was born and since then both my father and my older brother rely on me for everything. They both have gambling problems but my older brother is also constantly going in and out of jail for stealing. Family members would always drop in on my birthday which is also on my mothers death anniversary, to see how I was or if I needed anything and they’d hide money for me in my room or slip it in my pocket because they knew of my fathers gambling problems and debt. I’d feel like a family when they’d come around.

But it was always temporary..

They never stayed for long, they couldn’t stand being around my father or even my brother who acted like the world owed him something.

When they’d leave, my hell would be waiting for me.

I was forced to play the role of the provider, since I can remember. I’d always give them my last. When I’d save up for something I needed for school and they’d ask me for money, I’d give it without hesitation.. because I knew what would happen if I didn’t.

The first time I said “no” to my older brother, was when I was in 4th grade. He ran to tell my dad because he didn’t know what to do since I never dared to utter the words before and my father approached me, shocked.

We need the money aunty gave me for rent…….

*BAM*BAM*BAM*

I woke up in the hospital the next day. My father told my school, the hospital and the police that I had fallen off the roof while chasing a cat. I had bruises all over my body, a fractured jaw and a broken ankle.

I realized it’s just easier to give them what they want before they start asking.

I’ve done pretty good for myself. Now I’m 24 and I live on my own, my older brother and our father don’t know where I live because I told them the job I have provides me with a room. They never cared to look more into it either because every Thursday I would stop by their apartment that I rent out for them and drop off money. I just drop by with some takeout food and rush out telling them I have to get back to work. They never question anything when I mention work because they know if I stop working, they won’t get their weekly pay.

I despise this hidden part of my life, but what can I do? I worked my ass off to get to where I am today. I can afford this much as long as they keep their distance.

I pack up my book in my gym bag and head back home to get ready for work.

7:25 am

I check my home voicemail box (It’s the only number my brother and father have of mine)

YOU HAVE ONE NEW MESSAGE FROM P.O.S

“Lina, why didn’t you answer my call? Well. Call me back. It’s an emergency and I need more money.”

My mood has now completely shifted. Hearing that voice and those words before Thursday was just a slap to my face. Where is your fatherly instincts you brainless piece of….. Not worth my time, clear your thoughts, relax yourself, don’t stress out.

You are fine

I say to myself while forcing a smile in the mirror.

I’ll be fine. Let’s just call him back.

Hey, got your voicemail. What’s up?

“Lina! Thank goodness! I need more money! How much can you get me by tomorrow?!”

Yeah, that’s what you said in the voicemail. But what’s going on, what’s the emergency?

“Lina. Don’t talk back to me just because we are on the phone. Just give me $100,000 or———“

OR WHAT? WHAT. Once I start missing work I’ll lose my job and then you can’t get ANYTHING from me. Oh… but you can’t have that, right? Awesome. Now tell me what’s going on

“Hahaha, my funny daughter. I told you last time right? That I’m getting married”

You’re WHAT.

“Getting marri..”

I hung up.

*RING*RING*

*RING*RING*

*RING*RII——-

I’m about to be late for work, I have to go.

“Ah. Alright Lina, I’ll see you tomorrow right? Okay?”

Dial tone.

I grabbed my black suit and headed to my office.

8:15 am

As I walk through the companies doors, I feel a rush of silence falling on me. A sense of calmness. When I enter the building I am no longer that pitiful motherless girl providing for her good for nothing father and brother..

“Good morning Ms. Olina!”

I am the Vice President of Denroux Incorporated.

One of the top leading companies in the world.