what a mess

**You request more information about the job and salary:**

What's the job description and salary range for the front desk clerk position?

*The hotel manager replies:*

It's a part-time role, 25 hours/week, $16-$18/hour. Duties include checking in guests, handling payments, and answering phone calls.

**Meanwhile, back home...**

*Your family is frantic:*

*Your mom is crying and yelling at your dad*

*Your dad is trying to comfort her while texting you*

*Alex is searching for any clues about your disappearance*

**Your phone buzzes with notifications:**

*10 missed calls from your family members*

*20 unread texts, mostly from your dad and Alex*

**Some texts read:**

*Where are you?! (Dad)*

*We're worried sick! Come home! (Mom)*

*You're in big trouble when you get back. (Alex)*

*Ethan's been calling nonstop, asking if we've heard from you. (Alex again)*

**

***You call your dad and tell him you're okay, without revealing your location:**

*Your dad answers on the first ring:*Where are you?! Are you okay?

Yes, I'm okay. I just needed space and time to think.*You reply.*

*Your dad sighs heavily, relief evident in his voice:*

Thank god... We were worried sick. When are you coming back?

I'm not sure yet. I'll call you again soon, Dad. I promise.

*Your dad asks:*Are you safe? Do you need money?

Yes, I'm safe, and I have money. I'll talk to you soon, Dad. Bye.

*He reluctantly says:*Okay... Call me soon.

**Your phone buzzes with a text from Alex:*

*Did you call him back?*

**Your dad also texts:**

*Love you. Please be safe.*

**You text your dad:**

Dad, I've thought about it... Please tell everyone to consider me dead to our family. I won't be returning.

*Your phone rings immediately – your dad calling again. You ignore it and turn off your phone.*

**The next morning, you start your new job at the B&B:*

*Max and Lily train you on various tasks and introduce you to the regular guests.*

*You work hard, learning quickly and impressing Max with your attention to detail.*

**During a short break, Lily asks:*

How's the new job? And... how are you really doing? You seemed pretty shaken up yesterday.

*

***You say:**

I'm fine, just needed a fresh start.*You smile, changing the subject.*

*Lily nods and says:*

Glad you're here! We're happy to have you.

*You finish your break and resume work.*

**Later that evening, you destroy your old SIM card and replace it with a new one:**

*You purchase a new number and plan from a local store*

*You update your phone with the new SIM and number*

*You feel a mix of emotions: anxiety, relief, and uncertainty*

**Your new number is: 555-876-5432**

*You receive a text from Lily:*

Hey, new number? Everything okay?

**Do you:**

A) **Reply to Lily, saying you just wanted a new number for a fresh start*

B) **Ignore the text and go to bed, feeling overwhelmed*

C) **Tell Lily you'll explain everything tomorrow at work*

D) **Call Lily to discuss what's going on****You reply to Lily:**

Hey Lily, yeah new number for a fresh start.

Long story short:

- Toxic family

- Rushed into marrying someone (Ethan)

- He didn’t know I was still technically married to my high school sweetheart (Jake)

- Family drama ensued

- I ran away

*You hit send, feeling relieved to share a little.*

**Lily texts back immediately:**

OMG that’s insane!!

We should grab wine and talk more about this soon

You free tomorrow night after dinner service?

*

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