Weeks had passed since graduation, and the reality of adult life was finally settling in. No more lecture halls, no more assignments, no more running late for class. Just a small apartment, bills, and job hunting.
I watched Beth move around our shared space with the precision of someone who had a plan, reorganizing our kitchen and unpacking boxes we had ignored for weeks. Adulting was clearly her game, while I was still figuring out the rules.
Finding a job was tougher than I imagined. Interviews ended in polite refusals, the usual excuses about lack of experience or being overqualified.
I had two thousand dollars to my name and a determination that refused to die.
I could not be the burden to Beth's parents, they had already gone out of their way to support.
Beth, on the other hand, seemed to glide through life with an energy I envied. She had an interview at her dream law firm that morning and came back bubbling with excitement, dragging me into her stories like I was a willing participant in her happiness.
I leaned back on the couch, arms crossed, my brown eyes fixed on her animated expressions.
"So what did you see that got you so excited? Was it the office or the boss?" I asked, my voice calm but curious.
Beth grinned from ear to ear. "You have no idea, Lia.
Jacob Gold is exactly like they say. Tall, smooth voice, the kind of man you notice without even trying. And his office, oh my God, it smells like success.
I swear, I was tempted to just sit on his couch and nap there. But then I remembered, interview first."
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "You almost got distracted by furniture and fragrance? Typical Beth."
"Lia, it is not just furniture. It is everything about him. His presence is like… powerful. You know, not scary, just… commanding. And yet, gentle." She paused, biting her lip, eyes sparkling with excitement.
I sighed, shaking my head. "Well, I hope your professionalism survived all that admiration."
"It did! I think I impressed him too. He was surprised that I came prepared and dressed appropriately. She giggled, bouncing on her heels.
I smiled despite myself. That was Beth, always finding joy in small victories, always seeing the world with hope. Unlike me, who was silently planning how to survive until the next opportunity.
"You will find your way too, Lia," she said softly, noticing my silence. "Why not start somewhere small? Even a café, a bookstore, anything that pays the bills while you search for the dream."
I considered her advice. Dakota's Café was near our apartment, small but popular with locals and office workers. It might not be a law firm or a corporate office, but it would be mine, a place to learn and earn without being entirely dependent.
I made up my mind that evening. I would make my research about the café, learn everything I could, and build my confidence back.
Beth cheered quietly from the couch, proud as ever, while I felt a spark of hope.
Adult life was harsh, but it had one thing going for me.
I was ready to fight it, step by step, even if it meant wearing an apron instead of a business suit for now.