Marriage contract with my best friend

aited day has finally arrived: the interview at the Lockwood Art Museum in Vienna. My hands are trembling with nervousness. I sit down as I watch the carefully chosen clothes

afford to miss, and I am determ

n the faucet, the warm water starts to flow over my body, washing away the built-up tension. Ever since I applied, I've been studying and reviewing everything I learn

ppeal to me. I walk over to my wardrobe, open it, and my eyes are immediately drawn to it: an elegant navy-blue dress that fits me perfectly. I bought

t of spray. I apply light, natural makeup, enhancing my features without appearing overdone. I grab my coat and my purse, where I had already placed a copy of my resume and some important notes the night before. I open the door to the room, but before

, make sure everything is in place, and head to the living room. There, a simp

Grandma says, entering the

s. Since I was little, when I felt sad, I would run into

rning, G

e a hearty breakf

hungry,

own and eat. The

nd placing it on a chair next to me, along with m

n the plate in front of me. I

She looks at me and smiles. "It's del

smiles, returning to her meal. "So

and if all goes well, I'

itchell's

lot. Leila said she spoke about me to the museum

said

se, I also sent ou

others. We know that family only does something expecting something i

hbac

has finally come to pay for the pre-university course. I open the drawer where I kept the

spot in the prep course," I say

w. A stubborn and persistent fever embraces me as I descend the

a shower and then to bed! I'll make something

rep course. I need to go," I say and sta

oing anywhere

t I take care of myself. I resist

to the prep course teacher. I can't miss the registration," My gra

teered to help me. I trust her, after

••♥

and be back in no time. You'll be fine,

without you," I say, and she smiles,

n the couch, curling up on

lat

the teacher, demanding payment th

deliver it. The money was

and. Leila has always been reliable, at least until now. I go

ment from Grandma. What happened?" I

. I lost

believing what I'm hearing. "How co

she was afraid to tell, but her words do

me? It was my future at sta

I was so scared, that's

't you tell me sooner? We would have figured somet

thing," she says, crying on the

by the hand, and we go to Leila's house, which is three houses down from ours. Th

I say, sad and holding back tears. "You shoul

I would have paid for the

hould have told you earlier," she says

make up for it. These things happen, even I cou

she says, a

s behind us an

y the tears, and then Gr

y at all, and out of anger or jealousy towards you, she didn't pay the teacher. We know she w

Grandma! Leila

s soon as we enter the house, heading to the b

hbac

n I was a teenager. We never forgot that small loss, but I let it go and understo

planned together to work at the Lockwood Art Museum and agreed that if one of us

three years since

me earlier. We know she needs t

gets close to you to drain you or to take advan

to go, it's a long way to Vienna from here." I wipe

idn't even e

he coffee was delicious," I comment a

living room, Grandma

say, and she puts the cup she was holdin

ed out. Just trust yourself," she says, stepping back. "

eek and smiling, grabbing my bag from the chair. I g

was really delicious. And thank yo

o already, girl! Otherwis

ide in tough times. Your strength motivates me every d

Now go and shine!" She says, and I step