On Her Own

Leticia had been pampered and protected like a princess since birth, and she had never been left on her own to fend for herself. But now, things have changed in ways she had never imagined. The money she had in her pocket were not enough to last a few months, so thinking ahead for the future, she realized that she would need to find some kind of employment for herself and her yet unborn baby to survive.

It's been two weeks since she left her parents' home, and she had already used up a portion of her money for her food and her simple accommodation. She had moved to a very remote province of Brazil to be far away from her family, so as to avoid being recognized. "How am I going to make it through? Dios Mio, please help me!" she silently prayed.

"Maria, the lady from that bakery infront of this shop has told me that you are asking around for a job." Adelina, her landlady, said, as Leticia came into the shop, her room being at the third floor. She had introduced herself as Maria, having decided to change her name. " Why don't you work for me, as I need somebody to watch the shop for me?" The job offer from Adelina was like music to Leticia's ears. She was so happy that she thanked her landlady enthusiastically, momentarily causing her to feel dizzy, and she fell forward as she moved to hug Adelina. The landlady caught her by the arms and pushed her gently on a cushioned chair.

"What's the matter with you Maria?" Adelina's maternal eyes assessed her intuitively. "You're pregnant, aren't you?" Leticia didn't want to lie to her landlady who had taken her in without asking many questions.

"Yes Mamita, I'm almost four months pregnant." Leticia confessed, wiping the tears that started to roll down her face.

"Don't cry my dear. Whatever you are going through now will just pass by, and things will be better." Adelina, also called Mamita by her tenants and workers, soothed her.