Violet was still a senior in high school. Dylan knew it was his responsibility as the oldest son to go back and help his family, so he dropped out of Fordham and returned to Newark.

He got his old job back at The Union, except he also did many other side hustles, the kind of work that Violet would never mention to her mom.

“Oh, so that’s why Dylan’s been around the house lately,” Barbara nodded her head.

“Yeah, he’s dropped out since last year, mom. He’s been around ever since.”

“Oh… I see…” Barbara said. Violet smiled sweetly, but she knew she would have to explain this again tomorrow morning.

“Anyway, I gotta go to work. Call me if you need anything or check the post-its if you forget something,” Violet said as she grabbed her things from the kitchen counter.

“Okay, dear. Have fun at work.”

“I love you, mom.”

“Love you too, sweet girl.”

Barbara kissed her daughter’s cheek and Violet made her way to the door.

She checked her reflection in the mirror for two seconds before she headed out.

Her dark brown hair was long, her face was pale, but her purple-blue eyes were shining bright.

If she had more time in the morning, she would’ve put on some make up, but there was no time for pleasantries.

Her shift at the local coffee shop starts in fifteen minutes and she should be out the door by now. So without a second thought, Violet shrugged and left the house.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Walking out of the house, Violet quickly raced to the bus stop and she managed to catch the incoming bus going downtown.

After a ten minute ride later, she arrived at her stop and made her way to the coffee shop.

Within minutes, Violet already got her apron on and she was manning the register at the coffee shop.

“Welcome to City Coffee, what can I get you today?”

Violet greeted her first customer of the day.

This was a line she had spoken so many times in her life, it came out like a reflex.

She didn’t even have to look up from the register, she’d just hear their order, punch it in, and quickly make the drink.

“Violet? Violet Carvey?” the girl standing in front of her said.

Violet looked up from the register and saw a familiar face.

It was a girl about her age and she might’ve seen this girl around school before.

“Oh, hey. You’re… Nicole, right?”

“Yeah, we took AP Calc together!”

“That’s right, how are you?” Violet smiled.

“I’m good. I’m with Hanson and Ashley. You remember them?” Nicole turned to the glass windows and waved at her friends standing outside. “Guys, look, it’s Violet! Our Valedictorian!”

“Oh, yeah,” Violet laughed nervously and waved at the people outside. They were waving at her and mouthing ‘hi’.

“I go here all the time, I didn’t know you work here,” Nicole said.

“Only almost every day,” Violet turned her eyes back to the register. “So what can I get you?”

“An iced latte please,”

“Coming right up,”

Violet punched the order and turned to the coffee station. Her hands were skillfully working the coffee machine.