Chapter 1: Struggling to Make Ends Meet

The aroma of fresh bread and pastries filled the air, mixing with the scent of vanilla and cinnamon. The sound of the front door’s chime was a constant reminder that despite the delicious smells, the bakery was quieter than it used to be. Aries wiped her hands on her apron and leaned against the counter, gazing at the few customers trickling in. Her parents had poured their hearts into this bakery for over twenty years, but it was no longer enough to keep things afloat.

"How’s everything looking?" her mother asked as she emerged from the back, her face tired but determined, as always.

“Not great,” Aries replied with a sigh. "A few regulars, but the lunch rush isn’t really... rushing.”

Her mother gave her a soft smile, a blend of worry and resignation. Aries could see the lines deepening around her mother’s eyes and wondered how much longer they could keep the place open.

"It’ll pick up," her mother said, but even she didn’t seem convinced.

The truth was, things had been tough for a while. Their bakery, once a bustling hub in their small town, had been hit hard by larger, more modern competitors. Aries knew her parents were trying their best to keep the business alive, but she also knew they were running out of options. The bakery wasn’t just a family business; it was their livelihood, their history, and for Aries, it was home.

She glanced at the clock, realizing her shift was almost over. "I’ll finish up here and head to town for those job interviews," Aries said, pulling off her apron.

"Thanks, sweetheart," her mother replied. "Good luck out there."

Luck. Aries didn’t believe in it much anymore. As a university dropout, her options were slim. Most jobs she applied for required a degree or more experience than she had, and the rejection emails had started to pile up. Still, she couldn’t give up. Not with Amy, her younger sister, needing money for college.

Amy burst into the bakery, her energy in stark contrast to the quiet atmosphere inside. “I’m home!” she announced dramatically, dropping her bag by the door.

"How was school?" Aries asked, forcing a smile. She loved Amy's enthusiasm, but it was hard to stay upbeat when their financial situation weighed heavily on her mind.

"Same as usual. Boring classes, annoying people. Oh, but I saw the coolest livestream today during lunch! You’ve gotta check this guy out, Aries. He cooks these insane dishes, and you wouldn’t believe the presentation!" Amy’s eyes lit up as she raved about her latest internet obsession.

Aries chuckled. "You and your food shows. We already have a bakery, Amy. You’re surrounded by food every day."

"Yeah, but this guy is different! He doesn’t show his face, so no one knows who he is. It’s kind of mysterious, and everyone’s trying to figure it out." Amy’s hands waved excitedly as she spoke. "And get this—he said he’s going to start sending the food he makes to viewers. Like, randomly selecting people from his livestream to receive meals."

"Sounds interesting," Aries said, though she didn’t see how a cooking livestream could help them with their bakery’s financial woes or Amy’s tuition fees.

"It is! I’ve tried to win the giveaway a few times, but no luck so far. Imagine if I could win it just once!" Amy grinned, but her excitement quickly faded as she glanced around the bakery. “How’s business today?”

"Slow," Aries admitted. "But we’re managing."

Amy’s smile softened. She knew how hard Aries was working to support the family. It wasn’t just about the bakery. Aries had been taking on every odd job she could find, from tutoring kids in the neighborhood to picking up shifts at local shops. Anything to make sure Amy could go to college.

“I don’t want you to stress about me, Aries,” Amy said quietly. “I can take a gap year, work a bit, save up, and then—”

"No," Aries cut her off, her tone firm but kind. "You’re going to college, Amy. I’ll figure it out."

Before Amy could protest, the door chimed again, and Aries turned to greet the customer. It was Mr. Patel, a regular who always came by for his afternoon coffee and pastry. Aries exchanged pleasantries with him as she prepared his order, but her mind was already drifting back to the job interviews she had lined up.

After Mr. Patel left, Aries grabbed her bag and headed out, giving her mom a quick hug. “Wish me luck.”

"Good luck, sweetheart. You’ve got this," her mother said, squeezing her hand.

As Aries walked through town, her thoughts swirled with worry. Amy deserved to go to college, and her parents deserved a break. But Aries felt like she was running in circles, chasing a future that always seemed just out of reach.

The first interview didn’t go well. The manager, a middle-aged man with a bored expression, barely glanced at her resume before muttering something about needing someone with more experience. The second interview wasn’t much better. Aries sat in a stuffy office, trying to sell herself to a woman who looked more interested in her phone than anything Aries had to say.

By the time the third interview came around, Aries was exhausted. She entered the sleek office of a small marketing firm and was greeted by a cheerful receptionist. This one felt different, more professional. But as she sat in the waiting area, looking around at the polished floors and modern decor, her anxiety grew. She wasn’t sure if she belonged in a place like this.

A few minutes later, she was called into the office for the interview. The interviewer, a woman in her early thirties, smiled politely as Aries took a seat.

“So, tell me why you’re interested in this position,” the woman said.

Aries launched into her rehearsed speech, talking about her passion for marketing, her experience with social media at the bakery, and her desire to grow professionally. But halfway through, the woman stopped her.

“I’m sorry, Aries, but we’re looking for someone with a degree in marketing or at least two years of professional experience. I don’t think this is going to work out.”

The rejection stung, but Aries forced a smile. “I understand. Thank you for your time.”

She walked out of the office feeling defeated. No matter how hard she tried, it seemed like every door was closing in her face. She didn’t have a degree, and she didn’t have experience. What she did have was a family depending on her, and that weight felt heavier with each passing day.

As she made her way home, Aries passed by the town square, where a group of kids was playing by the fountain. Their laughter filled the air, and for a moment, she smiled. Life wasn’t all bad, she reminded herself. She still had her family, and she wasn’t going to give up.

“Maybe tomorrow will be better,” she whispered to herself as she headed back to the bakery, hoping that somewhere along the way, she’d find the break she desperately needed.

Little did she know, her break was closer than she thought.

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