Behind the Contract

Gabriella The office at Davis Insurance and Compliance Firm had a constant smell of dust, old paper, and strong disinfectant. Documents were piled on my desk in chaotic stacks, all in need of attention they would never get at once. The ceiling fan moved slowly, releasing warm air as if it were tired of the task. I kept on typing. Names. Digits. Instructions. Complaints. My fingers kept hurting as they moved fast, so did my shoulders and back from sitting in a chair that had long since lost its padding. I shifted, winced, and continued. Enduring was all I did every day. I took a pause, stared at the screen, and swallowed hard. “One day,” I murmured, “this will no longer be my life.” Even as I said it, I wasn’t sure I believed it. Singing was the only thing I hadn't given up until now. Comfort, and rest were things I couldn’t afford anymore. I had to forfeit them in the name of survival. My phone immediately vibrated on the table bringing me back to reality. Dad. I took it immediately, softening my voice. “Hello, Dad.” Ella baby,” he answered. His voice came out rough from years of mechanic work, yet it still held warmth. “Daddy, I’m still at work,” I whispered. “You’ll get me fired.” “Fired? They wouldn’t dare fire a brain like yours! I covered my mouth, trying to keep my laugh in. “You sound tired,” he said. "I'm okay, Dad," I whispered. He went quiet for a moment. He always grasped what I didn't express, but he never pushed me."I'm heading to the market to get groceries," he said. “Send me what you need.” Sure, Dad. "I will send you a list soon." Sounding as though he had interrupted my long day. “Don’t overwork yourself songbird. Remember your voice is worth more than those keyboards." “I know, Dad.” I smiled sheepishly like he hadn’t called me that every day of my life. “Also, I will come pick you up myself, so no need to take the bus today, El.” I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding."Okay, Dad. I love you.” "I love you too Ella. Always.” I’d barely ended the call when a middle-aged man in a gray trench coat slammed a folder onto my desk. "Miss, I’ve been waiting for thirty minutes! Do you understand urgency at all? I forced a tired smile. "I definitely do, sir. "Can I have your policy number?" He slid his folder towards me. "I have already given all of this to the woman who assisted me last week. She said my policy lapsed.” “The policy can be restored,” I asserted confidently, “but a reinstatement fee is required.” “I won't spend even a cent!,” he shot back, moving in nearer. "Sir, the charge for reinstatement is included in the company policy." “If you’d like, I can—” “Company policy, my foot!” he cut me off and struck the desk with his hand.“This is outright stealing.” "Another one," Shelby muttered. Leaning back in her chair at the desk beside me, her lipstick as sharp as her mouth. I held her gaze longer than needed, silently begging her not to make things more difficult. Before I could reply, the office door burst open. Mr. Davis, my boss, stepped out. His face carried the tired authority of a man who had settled this kind of trouble far too many times. “What is going on here?” Mr. Davis said, moving his eyes between the man and me, calm yet commanding. “This young lady is trying to cheat me!” the man shouted, pointing a finger at me. “Sir, please calm down.“ Mr. Davis said. “The fee is company policy. Without it, the policy can’t be reinstated.” "You're all thieves!" the customer shouted before storming out, banging the door so hard that the glass rattled. Mr. Davis released a long breath. "Payday," he said, sliding a slim envelope across the desk. I held it, staring at how thin it was. Too light in my hands, yet heavy with everything that depended on it. "Thank you, sir," I whispered, attempting to keep a polite smile. “That won’t even be enough for the month,” Shelby said. “Not today, Shelby,” I murmured, pushing the envelope deep into my bag. The clock hit six, and the office finally let us go. Chairs scraped. Drawers shut. Everyone rushed out. Shelby stayed close, scrolling through her phone. Her foot tapping against the floor. We lived along the same route, so going home together just made sense. I slipped into my thin coat, exhaling in relief. “One day done.” I dialed Dad’s number, pinning the phone against my shoulder as I gathered the remaining files. One ring. Two. Three. No answer. I frowned and tried again. Still no answer. "He's probably on his way right now," I said. After about five minutes my phone lit up. Dad. “At last,” I whispered, picking up before the second ring. "Dad, are you close by? We're waiting.” A pause. Overly lengthy. The voice that came through was unfamiliar. “Ma’am... we got this number from the phone he possessed. We’re currently reaching out to his emergency contacts.” My heart grew still. "What—what do you mean? Where’s he? The voice hesitated briefly, then softened. “An accident occurred.” A hit-and-run vehicle hit him. The people nearby tried, but… he didn’t make it.” Everything went silent. My hands began to shake. I couldn’t breathe. My chest suddenly seized. Shelby’s voice rushed in. “Gabriella? Ella! Breathe, look at me!” My body stopped listening. Everything went black.