Chapter 2. Work Hard for Grandma

It was 10 PM. Selena finally got to lie down on her small bed. “It’s so comfortable,” Selena murmured while looking up at the ceiling of her room.

Selena lived alone in a studio apartment. She had lived there for a year and had not moved to a new place since then because the rent was very cheap, only 200 dollars. The reason for the low price was that the apartment was located not far from an area known as a haven for criminals.

“I even entered an area known for criminals. If Grandma knew what had happened to my life, she would be sad. But I did this because I need money, Grandma. So we can be together again,” Selena said optimistically.

Selena stood up. “Come on, Selena! Nothing bad will happen. It’s been a month, and nothing scary has happened like what the internet says!”

Selena always thought positively and optimistically about everything. “Everything will be fine! Let’s make a lot of money and leave this neighborhood with Grandma!”

After saying that sentence, Selena entered the bathroom and then went back to sleep. Tomorrow, she would work again to earn a lot of money.

Beep... Beep! The sound of the alarm clock was so annoying that it disturbed the owner of the room. With her small hand, she took the trumpet-shaped alarm and turned it off.

“What time is it?” she muttered, now sitting up.

Selena yawned and rubbed her eyes to get rid of her drowsiness.

“It’s 8 o’clock,” Selena murmured as she looked at the wall clock near the dining table.

Immediately, Selena rushed into the bathroom. It didn’t take long before she came out. It only took 10 minutes. After that, Selena made scrambled eggs for breakfast with a lot of rice.

“Must eat a lot! So there is energy to earn money!!” Before leaving her apartment unit, Selena stood in front of the mirror to check her appearance, wearing long clothes and not forgetting her glasses.

“Ready!” Selena then left her apartment to continue her activities.

As Selena walked towards the bus stop, her eyes glanced at her wristwatch. “I hope I won’t be late for work later.”

The bus Selena was going to ride arrived immediately. She quickly got on the bus but couldn’t get a seat because it was still during working hours, and all public transportation was very crowded. During the journey, Selena only looked at the city scenery that was famous for its many criminals.

“Beautiful city. But inside, there are many bad things, and I live here,” Selena said in her heart.

The bus stopped at the bus stop, and some passengers got off and on. Selena was supposed to get off at this stop for work, but this time, Selena didn’t get off because she was going to the hospital.

It took 30 minutes to get to the hospital located in the capital city. Selena got off the bus after arriving at the stop she was heading to. She walked only 5 minutes to get to the hospital where her beloved grandmother was.

Selena entered the hospital and walked towards the lift that would take her to the floor where her grandmother’s room was.

Ding. Selena got off and quickly walked towards her grandmother’s room because she missed her so much.

“Grandma!” Selena exclaimed with enthusiasm. She also gave a wide smile to the woman who had taken care of her since she was a child until she became an adult.

Selena gave her grandmother a warm hug. “I missed you,” Selena said as she hugged her grandmother, who was lying on the bed.

Her grandmother could only lie on the bed. That was all because she was suffering from bone cancer, which slowly made her unable to move. But her grandmother could still speak and see Selena well.

“Me too.”

“I didn’t bring anything for you because all the food you eat needs the doctor’s approval. I’m sorry, Grandma.”

“It’s okay. I’m happy to see your beautiful face, my dear.”

Selena held her grandmother’s right hand. “Fight, Grandma. I want to always be with you. You’re the only one I have.”

“Yes, my beautiful granddaughter.”

“Don’t worry about the cost, Grandma. I’ve already told you that I’ll get a high-paying job. Just rest well, Grandma.”

Her grandmother’s eyes shed tears, making Selena also feel her grandmother’s sadness.

“Why are you crying, Grandma? Don’t you like it when I come here?”

“It’s because I can’t afford to send you to college, my dear. You were so excited to go to college. This is all because of my weakness.”

Selena quickly shook her head. “No, Grandma. This is not your fault. Besides, I’m happy to earn money and give it to you. Don’t worry about anything. I just want to be with you. What’s the point of going to college if you’re not with me? So if you want to see me go to college, get well soon and be enthusiastic.”

Selena’s grandmother gave a pat on her granddaughter’s head, who was lying on her shoulder. “My dear granddaughter. I hope you stay healthy and find a good man who loves you very much. I will be very peaceful in the afterlife if I see you with that good man.”

“I just want to be with you, so don’t say that again,” Selena replied with a pouty mouth after hearing her grandmother’s words, which were very frightening because they always talked about death.

***

At 9 am, Selena was already in the minimarket where she worked. Before opening the minimarket, Selena first cleaned the table and chairs in front of the minimarket, which often served as a gathering place. After Selena felt everything was clean, she turned the sign on the door to “open” only after making sure that it was already 10 am.

“Let’s work hard!” Selena exclaimed enthusiastically.

Selena began to stand in front of the cashier, waiting for customers to arrive. Selena also checked the computer again.

“Good morning!”

Selena, who heard that, could only give a smile and also greeted the first customer warmly.

“Good morning,” Selena greeted enthusiastically.

Selena began to calculate the total purchase of the man who bought a lunch box, alcohol, and cigarettes.

“123 dollars,” Selena said, putting the customer’s items into a plastic bag.

“And also a condom!”

Selena’s face was surprised to hear that. Honestly, that request was very taboo for Selena. Selena knew about it because she worked here and many men bought it.

“Please choose,” Selena said hesitantly, pointing to the display case not far from the computer.

“What flavor is good, innocent?” the thug man, whom Selena already knew because he often came to the minimarket, said.

Selena scratched her head, not feeling itchy hearing that strange question. “I don’t know, sir.”

“How do you not know! A seller should know,” he replied in a loud voice.

“I don’t know. Forgive me,” Selena said, bowing her head.

“What if we try it? You’ll know!”

Selena quickly shook her head. “I don’t want to!”

The man laughed after paying for all the purchases. “I don’t laugh at ugly girls like you?!” he replied before leaving the minimarket.