"You're the one that's worried now, aren't you?" I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
Tanner shrugged. "I'm not worried. I just want you to feel relaxed. That's all."
We chatted on and on until we arrived at the bookshop after half an hour. As we stepped inside, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The store was cozy and quiet, with shelves stacked high with books of different genres. The air smelled of old paper and ink, and I felt at home.
We were directed to the bookshop owner, a man in his mid-thirties. He had an aura of sincerity around him, and I liked him at first sight. As we sat opposite him in his office, he began to ask me a few questions. I guessed he wanted to know more about me before giving me the job.
"My name is Mina," I introduced myself, feeling a bit nervous. "This is my husband, Tanner." I gestured towards him, and he gave a small wave. "And that's our child." I pointed at the stroller beside me, and the man's eyes followed my gaze.
I take a deep breath and release it slowly. My hands shake a little as I hand over my curriculum vitae to the interviewer. I feel guilty for having to lie about my name once again. It's not really a lie, just a shortened version of my full name, but I can't risk exposing my true identity. It's something I've had to do before, and I hate it every time.
The interviewer scrutinizes my curriculum vitae, and I hold my breath as he peers at it intently. I feel like he's staring right into my soul, trying to uncover the truth about me. After what seems like an eternity, he looks up at me and nods in approval.
"Though you weren't able to further your education, you still have a lot of experience," he says. "Well, you got the job. You'll start next week Monday."
I feel a rush of excitement and relief wash over me as I realize that I've finally secured a job. It's been a long and difficult journey, but I've finally made it. I smile at the interviewer, feeling grateful and elated.
"How much will she be paid?" Tanner asks suddenly, tugging at his beard.
"Our pay here is pretty decent," the interviewer replies. "We pay on average four to five thousand dollars every month, depending on the number of hours or days you decide to work."
I have to clench my lips tight to prevent myself from screaming in awe. The pay is much better than my previous job at the bookshop, and I can't believe my luck. I feel like I've hit the jackpot.
"Thank you, sir. I'm very delighted to have gotten this job. I promise to do my best," I beam, darting a joyful glance at Tanner.
"Thank you so much. I'm really grateful," Tanner adds, smiling and shaking hands with the interviewer.
As we walk out of the interview room, I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. I'm finally back on track, and it feels like a step back into normal life. I take a deep breath of fresh air and look up at the clear blue sky, feeling grateful for this opportunity and excited for what the future holds.
Later that night, we sat down for dinner. Jaimie played with his toys lying down on the chair within my sight while we ate in comfortable silence.
After we finished eating, I reached for the plates, but my eyes suddenly went to Jaimie just in time to see him roll down from the chair, falling to the floor.
My heart raced with terror as I rushed to my screeching baby. "Sorry, sorry, sorry baby, sorry," I mumbled repeatedly as I held him in my arms, tears streaming down my face.
I had never felt so scared in my life. It was a hard fall for a baby, and the first he had in as long as I can remember. My body trembled with adrenaline as I rocked him, trying to comfort him.
Tanner walked into the room, holding his liquid drug and already mixing it. "Here, let me take him," he said, coaxing me to hand Jaimie to him.
"He won't stop crying...!" I cried out, unable to see my baby like that. I reached for him again, just to hold him and convince myself that he's alright.
But Tanner pulled the baby out of my reach and reached out his hand to my shoulder in comfort. "He'll be alright, honey, try to get yourself under control."
"It was stupid of me to leave him lying there!" I said, tears streaming down my face. I felt so guilty and helpless.
As Tanner forced the drug down Jaimie's throat, holding him so he wouldn't sputter the drug out of his mouth, Jaimie cried harder. I watched him as he rocked Jaimie softly while the baby cried, his face red and wet.
Finally, Jaimie's cries reduced, and Tanner handed him back to me. "Here, try to feed him. He's sleepy."
But instead of reaching for my breast as he usually does, Jaimie pulled away and started screeching louder. I burst out crying, staring at Tanner so helplessly.