Between two worlds

Sarah’s POV “Sarah!” My eyes flew open before I could even enjoy the little sleep I had managed to get. “Sarah, are you deaf?” Mum shouted again. “I’m awake,” I answered as I pushed the blanket away. “Then get out of that bed.” I sighed and sat up. The cold air hit my face. I looked around my tiny room. The paint on the wall had started peeling months ago. The curtain did not cover the whole window anymore because one side had torn off. I stared at it for a few seconds before standing. Another normal morning. Another day pretending everything was fine. I opened my bedroom door. Mum stood in the kitchen with her back to me. She was stirring a pot while talking to herself. “I don’t know how they expect me to stretch this money. Everything keeps getting expensive.” Dad sat at the table quietly, reading yesterday’s newspaper. He always read old newspapers. I was never sure if he actually read them or just wanted something to stare at. “Morning,” I said softly. Neither of them answered. I walked to the sink and washed my face. Mum suddenly turned. “Are you going to school looking like that?” I looked down at my old sweater. “It’s clean.” “It may be clean, but it has faded.” “I know.” She sighed. “I’m sorry.” I forced a smile. “It’s okay, Mum.” She looked at me for a second before looking away. “No. It isn’t okay.” Silence filled the room. Dad folded the newspaper. “I’ll leave soon.” Mum laughed without smiling. “Leave to where? Another place that will tell you they’re not hiring?” Dad did not answer. “I didn’t mean…” “Yes, you did, ” he said quietly. I hated mornings. Nobody shouted because they wanted to. Nobody stayed quiet because they wanted to. Everything in this house came back to money. Every conversation. Every argument. Every long silence. I grabbed the slice of bread on the table. “Is this breakfast?” “It is all we have,” Mum replied. “I wasn’t complaining.” “I know.” I ate slowly. Dad stood up. “I’ll be back later.” Mum crossed her arms. “I hope you actually bring good news this time.” He nodded once before leaving the house. The front door closed gently behind him. Mum covered her face with both hands. “I shouldn’t have said that.” I walked over. “You were just stressed.” “I am always stressed.” She looked at me. “I’m sorry you have to live like this.” I reached for her hand. “We’ll be okay.” She smiled sadly. “You always say that.” “Because I believe it.” She touched my cheek. “You have such a kind heart, Sarah.” “I got it from you.” She laughed quietly. “I don’t think so.” I checked the clock. “I have to go.” “Wait.” She walked into her room and came back with a few folded notes. She handed them to me. I counted them. “Mum…” “Take it.” “You need this more than I do.” “I said take it.” “I can manage.” She gently pushed my hand closed. “You cannot go to school without transport money.” “I’ll walk.” “It is too far.” I looked at her tired face. The lines around her eyes seemed deeper every day. I slipped the money into my bag. “Thank you.” She kissed my forehead. “Have a good day.” “I’ll try.” Outside, the air was cool. Children ran past me wearing clean uniforms. Some laughed loudly. Some chased each other. I smiled without realizing it. Life looked easier when you were younger. By the time I reached school, students had already gathered in groups. Everyone always seemed to have someone. I never really did. “Sarah!” I turned around. It was Emily. She hurried over with a bright smile. “Good morning.” “Morning.” “You look tired.” “I couldn’t sleep much.” “You worry too much.” “I know.” She linked her arm with mine. “Come on.” We walked toward our classroom. “So,” she said. “I heard something.” “What?” “Our principal is looking for students to help at some big event this weekend.” I looked at her. “What kind of event?” “I don’t know.” “They said rich people will be there.” I laughed. “And why would they need us?” “To serve food, welcome guests, things like that.” “Sounds stressful.” “It also pays.” That caught my attention. “Really?” Emily nodded. “I heard they are paying really well.” Before I could answer, the school bell rang. “Great timing,” Emily muttered. Classes felt longer than usual. I tried listening to the teacher. I really did. But my mind kept drifting. How much would they pay? Would it be enough to help Mum? Maybe we could buy groceries. Maybe Dad would not have to worry so much. Maybe… “Sarah.” I looked up. The teacher was staring at me. “Can you answer the question?” Every eye in the classroom turned toward me. My face grew hot. “I’m sorry.” “I asked what the answer was.” “I… I don’t know.” A few students laughed. “It’s alright,” the teacher said kindly. “Please pay attention.” “I will.” The laughter faded, but the embarrassment stayed. That was my life. Whenever people noticed me, it was usually for the wrong reason. When school finally ended, I packed my bag quietly. Emily waited for me outside. “Come.” “Where?” “The principal’s office.” “What?” “You forgot already?” “Oh.” She laughed. “I swear you live inside your own head.” “I probably do.” The hallway felt longer than usual. Outside the office, several students had already formed a line. Some looked excited. Others looked nervous. Emily whispered, “See? I told you.” One by one, students went inside. When it was my turn, I took a deep breath. “Come in,” the principal said. I stepped inside. He smiled warmly. “Sarah Michael.” “Yes, sir.” “I’ve heard good things about you.” I blinked. “You have?” “You are polite.” “You are hardworking.” “And your teachers say they can trust you.” My cheeks warmed. “Thank you, sir.” “We have been asked to recommend a few responsible students to assist at a charity gala this Saturday.” I nodded slowly. “The guests are important people.” “You will be expected to behave professionally.” “I understand.” “There will also be payment.” My heart skipped. “How much?” He smiled. “You ask the important questions.” I smiled shyly. He told me the amount. For a second, I thought I had heard him wrong. That was more money than I could make in weeks. “I… really?” “Yes.” “If you are willing to work.” “Of course I am.” “Good.” He handed me a small envelope. “Everything you need is inside.” I held it carefully. “You must report to this address by six in the evening.” “I will.” As I reached the door, he stopped me. “Oh, Sarah.” “Yes, sir?” “Make sure you arrive on time.” “I won’t be late.” When I stepped outside, Emily rushed toward me. “What happened?” “I got it.” Her eyes widened. “You did?” I nodded. “I’m working at the gala.” She hugged me so tightly that I almost dropped the envelope. “I told you!” I laughed. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt something I had almost forgotten. Hope. I looked down at the envelope in my hands. I had no idea that accepting this job would change my life forever.