I'll manage here

As I stepped into the familiar corridors of the hotel, a sense of routine settled over me. It had been a week since I first donned my maid's uniform, and in that time, I had become intimately acquainted with the intricacies of my role.

Each day brought new challenges and triumphs, and as I navigated the bustling corridors, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at how far I had come. Even if I syill had to do what the system asked me.

The past week had been a whirlwind of activity, filled with moments of triumph and occasional setbacks. I had tackled each task with determination, striving to exceed expectations and prove myself worthy of my place among the hotel staff.

And it seemed my efforts had not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the 100 gold coins I had managed to accumulate.

But despite my progress, a sense of unease gnawed at the edges of my consciousness. With only two weeks left of my holiday, the reality of my situation was beginning to sink in. I needed 900 gold coins to apply to university, and at my current rate, it seemed unlikely that I would reach my goal in time.

As I made my way to the staff area, my thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Rya waiting for me. Today, she was in charge of the fourth floor, but it seemed she had taken a break to talk with me. I welcomed the opportunity to catch up with her, eager for the distraction from my own worries.

Rya greeted me with a warm smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she handed me a bag of cookies. "I brought these for you," she said, her voice tinged with kindness. "Consider it a little pick-me-up to get you through the day."

I accepted the cookies gratefully, touched by her gesture of kindness. "Thank you, Rya," I said, a genuine smile spreading across my face. "You always know how to brighten my day."

As we settled into a nearby break room. During the week I had started Rya began to open up about her own life, sharing details that surprised me. Rya, who I had mistaken for a young woman barely out of her teens, was in fact 32, with a life as layered as the hotel's floors.

She spoke of her studies in law, a dream deferred by the practicalities of raising two children, aged 8 and 12. Her voice held a note of pride when she mentioned them, a softness that belied the strength in her eyes. 

Listening to Rya's story, I felt a pang of admiration for her resilience and determination. Despite facing her own challenges, she approached each day with grace and unwavering strength. It was humbling to realize that everyone had their own battles to fight, their own dreams to pursue.

As we chatted, Rya's phone suddenly rang, interrupting our conversation. I watched as her expression shifted, her brow furrowing in concern. When she answered the call, her voice was tight with worry, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over me.

"What's wrong?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.

Rya glanced up, her eyes troubled. "One of my children is in the hospital," she explained, her voice trembling slightly. "I need to go to them, but I still have work to do here."

I felt a surge of sympathy for Rya's plight. It was clear that she was torn between her responsibilities at work and her duty as a mother. Without hesitation, I made a decision.

"I'll take your place," I offered, my voice firm with determination. "You go to your child. Family comes first."

Rya's eyes widened in surprise, gratitude shining in their depths. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice choked with emotion.

I nodded, a sense of resolve settling over me. "Absolutely. Go be with your child. I'll handle things here."

Rya's expression softened, her features reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Eileen," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

But Rya hesitated, a conflicted look crossing her face. "I appreciate your offer, Eileen, I really do," she began, her voice wavering slightly. "But I can't leave you to handle everything alone. This job means a lot to me, and I don't want to let anyone down and your new."

I was taken aback by Rya's refusal. Despite her own worries, she was determined to stay and fulfill her duties at work. I admired her dedication and strength, but I couldn't bear to see her torn between her responsibilities.

"Rya, your children need you," I insisted, placing a hand on her arm. "I'll manage here. You go be with them. I promise everything will be okay."

Rya looked torn, her gaze flickering between me and the door. After a moment of hesitation, she finally relented, a sense of resignation settling over her features.

"Thank you, Eileen," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "I'll never forget this."

With a quick embrace, Rya gathered her things and hurried out of the break room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

As I watched her go, a sense of determination burned within me. I may not have 900 gold coins yet, but I refused to let that deter me. With Rya's trust in me, I was more determined than ever to succeed.

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and set off to tackle the tasks that lay ahead.