Mirror Image

A Treat

Sierra tightened her ponytail and stepped unto the treadmill, music blasting in her ears. Four months in Atlanta and she finally found a gym that felt like hers. Today was her day off—no work stress, just a few miles, a little focus, and some time for herself.

Halfway through, she slowed and grabbed a sip of water, noticing a guy across the room glancing at her. He had that casual confidence, like he belonged there but wasn’t trying too hard.

“Hey” he said, jogging over to the trend mill next to hers. “You always run this fast, or is today special?”

Sierra laughed, a little breathless from the trend mill. “Oh, this is my casual pace.” She teased, raising an eyebrow “You?”

He grinned “Depends. Trying to keep up with someone motivating.”

Sierra smirked, pretending to look at her water bottle “Motivating huh? I’ll take that as a compliment”

By the time she finished her run, he waved. “Maybe i’ll see you around again?”

She smiled, damping her wet forehead with a small towel. “Maybe—-Maybe Not”

“I’ll take my chances”

Sierra kicked off her sneakers as soon as she stepped into her apartment, stretching her tired muscles. The gym had drained her but in a good way. She walked upstairs to her bathroom, letting the warm shower wash away sweat and tension. The water ran over her shoulders, and she let herself linger for a few minutes, just enjoying the quiet.

Afterward, she wrapped herself in a soft robe and padded to the kitchen. She brewed a cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling the space, and leaned against the counter, scrolling through a few work updates—not anything urgent, just keeping eyes on things. Her phone buzzed with a message from her friend: ‘Dinner at 7? Can’t wait!!”

Sierra smiled, replying quickly ‘Wouldn’t miss it’

She pulled out a few outfits options, finally settling on a pair of slim, dark jeans, a silk blouse in emerald green and simple ankle boots. Sleek but casual. Professional but not stuffy. She ran a hand through her hair, checked the mirror and felt good—comfortable, confident, herself.

By 6:30pm she was ready, her friend was right on time—an event planner, bright, upbeat, full of ideas and funny stories from the office. She was Immi Longwood. Sierra and Immi had met coincidentally at the mall and since then, they started hanging out and were now good friends.

They hugged, chatting easily as they walked to a nearby restaurant.

“So, Atlanta treating you well?” Immi asked, sliding into a booth.

Sierra laughed. “Yeah, finally feel like I’ve got a rhythm here. Work’s been…manageable. And I’ve found a gym i actually like”

Her friend nodded, sipping her water. “I swear, a good gym is life—changing. And honestly, it’s nice seeing you off-duty. You always look like you’re in a meeting or on call”

Sierra smirked “Cause i am”

They laughed, the conversation flowing effortlessly—work stories, funny office moments, weekend plans.

Sierra felt grounded, relaxed, enjoying the normalcy of her own life for a moment before returning to her high-powered work world tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keira’s car slowed as it turned onto the familiar Bronx street. The building came into view—new, clean, nothing like the one she grew up in. A modern apartment above, and below it, the glass-front flower shop glowing softly in daylight. Fresh paint. Big windows. Life blooming where struggles used to sit.

The driver pulled over the pavement. Keira sat still for a moment ,then grabbed her bag and stepped out. The driver came out to prop the trunk open and take out the groceries, which he handed to Keira.

“Thank you” she told him, receiving the bags.

The bell over the flower shop door chimed as she pushed it open.

Her mother was arranging roses behind the counter, hands careful, gentle. The scent of lilies and orchids filled the air. For a second, Keira just stood there, watching her—proud, quiet.

Then her mother looked up.

“Keira…?”

Her eyes widened.

“Mi niña!” (My girl!)

Keira smiled “Hola Mama”(Hi mum)

Catalina rushed from behind the counter, not even wiping her hands, pulling Keira into a tight hug right there between buckets of flowers and wrapped stems.

“Te ves hermosa.” (You look beautiful) Catalina praised “Siempre trabajando demasiado” (Always working too much)

Keira laughed softly, hugging her back “You know me”

Her father appeared from the back, carrying a crate of flowers. He stopped short when he saw her.

“Mira quién llego.”(Look who arrived) he said “Mi diseñadora famosa” (My famous designer)

Keira rolled her eyes smiling as she went to hug him

“Papi. Te he echado de menos” (Daddy, i missed you)

Her mother finally noticed the bags in her hands.

“¿Trajiste cosas?” (You bought things?)

“Comestibles” (Groceries) Keira said “I thought i’d stop before heading back”

Her mom clicked her tongue gently. “Siempre pensando en nosotros.” (Always thinking of us)

She looked around the shop—the flowers, the light, the space they built. Everything felt earned. Everything felt right.

Her mother squeezed her hand. “This place…it’s thanks to you both. You and your sister”

Keira swallowed, emotion catching quietly in her chest. “Tú y papà se lo merecen todo y màs” (You and daddy deserve everything and more)

Above them, the apartment waited—warm, safe, new. Below them, the flower shop bloomed. Her father took the bags from her while her mother pulled out a seat for Keira. One of their princesses was home.

She wasn’t staying long, but she was home.

“¿Como va el trabajo?” (How’s work going?)

Catalina asked as she served Keira coffee.

“Bien, solo trabajando en el nuevo lanzanmiento. Es muy estresante, pero vale la pena” (Fine, just working on the new release. Really stressful, but worth it.) Keira replied.

Catalina felt sorry for her daughter “No te sobreesfuerces…realmente trabajas demasiado. Recuerda que solo tienes veinte y uno” (Don’t overwork yourself. You really do work too hard. Remember, you’re just twenty one)

“I’mma be fine ma, don’t you bother yourself with me” Keira told her “¿Has sabido algo de Sierra últimamente?” (Heard from Sierra lately?)