Chapter 34: Lila's Life

The morning sun streamed through my bedroom window, casting a warm glow into the room. I stirred from her peaceful slumber, her eyes fluttering open as she awoke from a deep sleep.

With a yawn, I glanced at the clock on her bedside table. The digital numbers read 9:30am, signaling that I have to had to go to work at 11:00 am. I stretched my limbs, feeling the morning grogginess slowly fade away. After a few moments, I sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes to fully wake up.

I stood up and made her way to the bathroom, starting her daily routine to get ready for work.I splashed some water on my face, the cool liquid helping to wash away the remaining fatigue. I looked in the mirror, checking my reflection. Satisfied with how I looked, I reached for my toothbrush and began brushing my teeth.

After finishing up in the bathroom, I returned to my bedroom and began getting dressed for work. I pulled out my uniform from the closet and got dressed, putting on the comfortable yet professional clothes that I usually wore to my job.

I checked myself in the mirror one last time, adjusting my hairstyle and making sure I looked presentable. I finished getting dressed and gathered my belongings, making sure I had everything I needed for work. I put on my shoes and headed to the kitchen, grabbing a quick breakfast before leaving the house.

As I ate my breakfast, I reflected on my situation. Since I am the only one who raised me, I had no choice but to work every weekend while my parents moved on with their own lives and families.

The thought saddened me, but I quickly pushed it aside. I couldn't dwell on it; I had a job to attend and responsibilities to fulfill.

With a final glance around the kitchen, I double-checked that I hadn't forgotten anything. Then I left the house, locking the door behind me, and set off towards my workplace.

I started my walk to the cafe where I worked. The sun shone warmly on my face, and a light breeze occasionally brushed against my skin. I took in the scenery as I walked, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood.

After a few minutes, I arrived at the cafe, the familiar sights and smells greeting me as I pushed open the doors. I entered the cafe, immediately greeted by the aromas of freshly brewed coffee and pastries. The place was buzzing with activity, customers chatting amongst themselves and enjoying their drinks.

I made my way to the staff room, clocking in and putting on my uniform's apron. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for a long and busy shift ahead.

As soon as I was ready, I stepped out into the main area of the cafe and started attending to the customers' orders. I took orders, made espresso, and ensured each customer's drink was just as they liked it.

Time seemed to fly by, and soon I was in the middle of a busy shift. The cafe was filled with the sounds of conversations, laughter, and the constant hum of coffee machines.

In the middle of the hustle, Chika, a classmate of mine, walked into the cafe. Upon seeing her, I greeted her warmly and asked for her order.

"Hey, Chika! What can I get you today?" I asked, smiling at her familiar face. Chika returned the smile and replied, "Hi Lila. Can I have a large latte, please?"

"Of course, coming right up," I responded, quickly starting work on her drink. I expertly made her latte, combining espresso shots with fresh milk and adding a delicate layer of foam on top.

"So you work her." I nodded as I continued making Chika's coffee. "Yeah, I work here every weekend. It keeps me busy."

I finished up Chika's latte, presenting it to her with a smile. "Here you go, one large latte for you."

I raised an eyebrow when I noticed the black card in Chika's hand. Black cards were known to belong to wealthy families, indicating significant financial status.

"Oh, you have a black card," I commented, trying to sound nonchalant. "Is my black card not accepted in this cafe?" Chika said with confused on her face.

After a moment, the transaction went through successfully. I handed the card back to Chika, along with her coffee.

"Here you go, your latte. Enjoy," I said, trying to remain professional despite my curiosity about her family's wealth. Chika thanked me and took her coffee, taking a sip as she sat down at an empty table. I momentarily wondered about her upbringing and the kind of lifestyle she must lead, but I quickly pushed those thoughts aside. It wasn't my place to ask, and I had other customers to serve.

The rest of my shift passed quickly, with the cafe remaining busy throughout. I attended to customers' orders, refilled coffee machines, and kept the workspace tidy.

Eventually, Chika finished her drink and got up to leave. She threw me a friendly wave as she exited the cafe, the black card gleaming in her hand.

As I watched her go, I couldn't help but wonder about the stark contrast between our lives. While I worked every weekend to support myself, Chika lived a life of wealth and privilege, evident in the black card she carried.

As evening approached, the cafe started to slow down, and the number of customers thinned out. I glanced at the clock, seeing that it was nearing 9:00 pm - the usual end of my shift.

I started cleaning up, wiping down tables, and putting away cups and saucers. Once everything was tidy, I took off my apron and grabbed my belongings, preparing to leave for the day.

I said my goodbyes to my colleagues and stepped out into the cool night air. The city was quieter now, with fewer people out and about. I began my walk home, the sound of my footsteps echoing through the empty streetsn.

As I continued my walk home, I decided to take a shortcut through an abandoned, side street. It was a route I had taken many times before, and I felt comfortable walking there even in the evening.

The street was eerily quiet, with no sign of other people around. The only sound I could hear was the echo of my footsteps against the pavement. The silence hung heavy in the air, creating an ominous atmosphere. I quickened my pace, feeling a slight sense of unease creeping up on me. However, I tried to shake off the feeling, telling myself that it was just my imagination playing tricks on me.

As I walked further down the abandoned street, I suddenly felt a sharp shiver run down my spine. It was as if a cold gust of wind had blown right through me, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end.

The sense of unease intensified, and my heart began to race. I could feel a strong aura, like a presence watching me from the shadows.

"Good evening, Lila, it's dangerous to be walking alone on this abandoned street." I was about to turn around when a voice called out from behind me. The creepy, calm tone sent chills down my spine, and I froze. When I recognized the person speaking, a sense of dread washed over me.

Before I could utter a word, she swung the bat towards me, hitting me in the head with a sickening crack. Pain shot through my skull, and everything went dark.