Lylia, a 31-year-old woman—still unmarried and quietly working as an office employee—had her life changed in a single day.
Before ever stepping into becoming a office worker, Lylia had always been the kind of person who succeeded through effort, not talent. She wasn't born brilliant, but she was born relentless.
Her parents, deeply absorbed in their own work, had little time for her. In their place, a caretaker named Ms. Lana filled the gap of parental affection.
"Ms. Lana," a seven-year-old Lylia asked, tugging gently at the hem of the woman's dress.
"What is it, Lylia? Are you hungry again? But we just ate," Ms. Lana chuckled.
"Where are Mommy and Daddy?"
"Oh, um... uthey're working right now, sweetheart. They're working very hard. So you have to be a good girl for them, okay?"
Lylia nodded quietly, though her eyes shimmered with unspoken disappointment.
Eight years later, she decided to live on her own.
"Mom, Dad," she said with uncommon resolve, "I would like your permission to move out and live independently."
"Go," her father said simply.
"I'll allow it," her mother added without much thought.
Despite her perfect grades, trophies, and endless effort—her parents never truly noticed. She had once thought that cooking, winning, achieving, would bring them home. But now, she was determined to make a new life, one that didn't revolve around pleasing others.
Living in a small, cheap apartment, Lylia survived with the skills she had honed over years—this time, for herself.
"What should dinner be tonight?" she wondered aloud.
She opened her fridge. Empty.
> "I should buy groceries tomorrow. Convenience store food tonight, I guess."
With a sigh, she left for a nearby store. She bought only a steamed bun and a small drink. While paying, she noticed a small sign behind the counter: "Short on Staff."
"Excuse me," she asked the cashier, "Are you hiring?"
"Yes, actually. Would you like to apply for part-time work?"
Her heart lifted.
"Yes! I'd love to."
"Please come back next Saturday for training. And thank you for your purchase."
That night, she returned to her apartment with a rare smile. Sitting by the window, she took out her journal.
> "Maybe if I show this journal to Mother and Father, they might be proud of me."
---
Nine years passed.
Lylia, now 24, was still working at the convenience store. She didn't hate it. In fact, she had come to enjoy its routine.
"Hey, Lylia!" a staff member called.
"Yes, Hanz?"
"Did you check the apple juice stock yet?"
"Yeah, we're running low. You might want to restock soon."
"Got it. Thanks."
She smiled. It was a simple life, but it was hers.
Until the day the manager fired her.
"W-what? But sir..."
"No buts. You're fired."
"Can I at least know why?"
The manager said nothing, just folded his arms and glared.
Heartbroken but composed, Lylia packed her things.
"It's alright, Lylia," Hanz said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You'll find something better."
"You're amazing at everything you do," Freya added. "Someone will appreciate that."
"Thanks, both of you. I hope we stay in touch."
"Don't forget us, okay?"
> "If I budget properly," she thought, "I could live off my savings for at least a year or two."
---
Two more years passed.
Lylia, now 26, found herself in an office interview.
"What is your goal for this company, Miss Lylia?"
"To grow both personally and professionally, and to help the company flourish alongside new comrades."
"Why this company?"
"Because I believe I can understand and adapt to its needs, and contribute with sincerity."
"Do you have prior corporate experience?"
"Not formally, but I studied the company thoroughly and understand its structure and goals."
"Thank you. We will contact you soon."
After the interview, Lylia visited the convenience store she once worked at.
> "It's been so long... I wonder how they're doing."
As she walked in, Hanz turned to greet her.
"Hello, welcome—wait... Lylia?!"
"It's really you!" Freya shouted from behind the counter.
"It's good to see you both again."
Freya rushed over and hugged her tightly.
"How have you been?"
"Still chasing jobs. I just came from an interview."
"You'll make it," Freya said with a confident smile.
Lylia noticed something.
"Hanz... is that a ring? Are you married now?"
Hanz laughed awkwardly. "No, not married. Just engaged. To Freya."
"Really?! That's amazing. Since when?"
"Started dating last year. I proposed two weeks ago," Hanz said, scratching his head.
"Congratulations, both of you!"
"Thanks, Lylia."
"Speaking of love... do you have someone in your life?" Hanz teased.
"Not really. I've been too focused on surviving."
"Not even one boyfriend?" Freya asked.
"None."
"That's a waste! You're so pretty and talented," Freya grinned.
"You two... stop teasing me," Lylia said with a rare giggle.
They kept chatting long after the shift ended.
Lylia, though still alone, smiled more that day than she had in years.
> Even if no one ever truly saw her... she kept walking forward. And in doing so, she found someone worth saving.