By the time Amanda stumbled out of La Mirage, her chest was heaving. The bright morning sun felt cruel, mocking her with its cheerfulness. She clutched her bag tightly, blinking hard to keep the tears from spilling.
This was supposed to be it. This was supposed to be the moment things finally changed.
She hurried to the roadside, ordered a Bolt, and slid into the backseat. The driver greeted her, but she couldn't even respond. The moment the door shut, she crumbled. Silent at first, then sobs shaking her shoulders until the driver pretended not to notice in the rearview mirror.
She had worked so hard, every little gig, every long night volunteering at events, all for the hope that something stable, something real, would come her way. But nothing ever lasted. She was tired of scraping, tired of counting coins, tired of waiting for "soon". Every opportunity just seems to slip out of her fingers, at this point she needed a miracle.
Her phone buzzed. Messages from her family. How did it go? Have you eaten? Don't forget to pray.
She swiped at her wet cheeks and called her mother.
"Mummyyy…" Her voice cracked.
"Amanda, what is it?" her mother asked quickly.
Amanda broke down, explaining everything between shaky breaths, the man, his disgusting offer, how crushed she felt. Her mother sighed heavily on the other end, but her tone was soft.
"My daughter, don't let this break you. It's only one door. More will open. Please, don't think too much. Come home, eh? Come home, let us see you. You need rest."
Amanda nodded though her mother couldn't see her. "Okay, Mummy".
When the call ended, she dialed her roommate, Tola.
"Tola… I'm not coming back tonight. I'm going home."
"Wait, what happened? How was the interview?"
Amanda let out a bitter laugh. "It wasn't an interview. He wanted me to....." Her voice cracked again. She didn't have the strength to repeat it all.
"Oh, Amanda… I'm so sorry," Tola murmured. "Men are wicked. Don't worry, something better will come. Just… please come back tomorrow. There's a gig I want you to follow me to. Just one evening. Maybe it'll distract you".
Amanda wasn't sure she wanted to be anywhere tomorrow. Her chest still felt like it was caving in.
"We'll see," she whispered.
"Promise me".
Amanda sighed. "Fine. Tomorrow".
She ended the call, leaned her head against the car window, and watched the city blur past through her tears.