CHAPTER ONE
Sienna
Life is a bed filled with roses for some people, but I cannot say I am part of those people.
I lost my father at the early age of five. I cannot remember the kind of person he is, apart from the little stories I have heard from my mother. My mother had to be the breadwinner after losing her husband.
When I turned eighteen, I decided to step up and be a support system for my mother. I pick up shifts everywhere I notice a job opening, from coffee shops to restaurants, to factories, and sometimes babysitting jobs.
I have a little sister, Hailey, who is seventeen. Hailey was born with coronary heart disease and has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since she was ten. But the tendency of a poor person to get a heart is quite slim, and this was part of the reasons I had to pick up extra shifts at every opportunity I got.
My mother works for the Louis family. Henry Louis was the man of the house. He was nice and welcoming, he supported my mom in various ways, and his death affected my family.
Every day, I woke up with the sun, prepared myself, and made my way to the coffee shop where I work during the day.
Tasty Delight was a little coffee shop that sold coffee and pastries, and this was by far the best place I have ever worked.
I skillfully prepared my workspace, ensuring the gleaming espresso machine was in good condition, the milk frother ready for action, and the aroma-filled coffee beans were freshly ground. I took great pride in my craft, treating each coffee creation like a work of art.
As the clock struck 7:00 a.m., the doors swung open, announcing the start of another day. Customers filed into the coffee shop seeking their morning caffeine fix. I stood behind the counter, my cheerful smile welcoming each person with genuine warmth.
I navigated my way through the bustling café, skillfully brewing coffee, crafting lattes with delicate foam art, and preparing scrumptious pastries. I knew each customer's order by heart and took pride in remembering their names. It was not just about serving coffee, it was about creating a warm and welcoming experience.
As the sun began to rise, I prepared for another busy day at the cafe. The clatter of plates, the hiss of the espresso machine, and the cheerful chatter of customers filled the air. But amidst the hustle and bustle, I couldn't help but be reminded of my ex-boyfriend, Derrick.
Every day, without fail, Derrick and I used to visit Sip & Savor together. We shared countless conversations over steaming cups of coffee and indulged in delectable pastries. The cafe had become our sanctuary, a place where we exchanged stories and dreams.
I missed those carefree moments, where our laughter echoed off the walls and our bonds grew stronger with each latte we sipped. The vibrant atmosphere of the cafe felt incomplete without Derrick's presence.
The joy and excitement we shared over trivial matters now seemed bittersweet. I know without fail that Derrick and I were meant to be.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city streets, I sighed with exhaustion. It had been a long and busy day. I wiped my hands on my apron, feeling the familiar mixture of satisfaction and weariness that came with running a business.
As the final customer left the shop, I locked the front door, the jingle of the bell signaling the end of another fulfilling day.
With a gentle smile on my face, I began my stroll back home. As I ambled along, I took in the sights and sounds of my familiar surroundings. The city seemed to move at a steady pace, with people going about their daily routines.
Taking a seat on a weathered wooden bench, I closed my eyes and embraced the serenity of the moment. Time seemed to stand still, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the peaceful solitude.
After a few precious moments, I left the park and continued with my stroll home. The cityscape slowly reappeared on the horizon, but my heart remained calm and content as I walked past familiar shops and houses.
Today was a long day. As I stepped into my cozy house, the inviting aroma of my mom's cooking greeted me. I followed the scent to the kitchen, where my mother, was stirring a bubbling pot of homemade tomato soup.
"Hey, Mom," I called out, leaning against the kitchen counter.
My mom turned to face me, a smile lighting up her face. "Hey, sweetie. How was work
today?"
I let out a tired chuckle. "Busy, as always. But we managed to get through it. The regulars seemed happy, and I even made a few new customers smile with my signature latte art."
She chuckled softly. "I'm so proud of you, Sienna. You've come so far since you first started working at that cafe. You've had a long day at work. Why don't you take a seat and relax? Dinner will be ready soon."
I nodded gratefully and took a seat at our old but beloved kitchen table. The years had left their imprints, as shown by etchings of memories and many talks conducted throughout the years.
My tiredness began to fade as my mother's calming presence enveloped me. It was in these moments that I felt fully understood, and my worries and stresses were eased.
As we discussed numerous issues, the conversation flowed smoothly. We talked about family issues, shared humorous memories, and occasionally went into our hopes and dreams.
I took the last spoon of my tomato soup and yawned, feeling a pleasant tiredness fill me. "I guess it's time for bed, Mom," I said, trying to stifle another yawn.
My mom chuckled, standing up to give me a gentle goodnight hug. "Yes, my love. Sweet dreams, and sleep tight."
I grinned sleepily and hugged my mother back tightly. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, Sienna," She whispered, planting a soft kiss on my forehead.
With a contented heart and a satisfied tummy, I climbed into my cozy bed, drifting off into a peaceful slumber.
