THE TICKET GUEST

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"I can't believe I'm going to have to get a second job," I pouted to myself as I stared at the notice. The bill had gotten way too high, and there was no way I could afford it anymore."Oh, crap!" I suddenly said. I had completely forgotten to go to the grocery store. I quickly grabbed my things and rushed out the door.I looked like a complete mess. My hair was down and frizzy, and I was still wearing the clothes I had slept in. And my face? I didn't even want to look at it.I quickly hopped into the car and glanced at myself in the mirror.What are people going to think of me?I let out a sigh and ran my fingers through my messy hair. Thankfully, I remembered there was a hairbrush in my car. I grabbed it and quickly tried to make myself look at least somewhat presentable before heading to the store.I quickly started the car, gripped the steering wheel, and pulled out onto the road.As I drove, I glanced at the gas gauge. My heart sank. How the hell am I going to pay for that? I thought. I was only twenty and already struggling to keep up with everything. I was in college, working for my dad, and now I was going to have to find a second job. How was I supposed to find enough time for that?On top of everything, I hadn't been feeling like myself since moving to this town. Life had felt overwhelming, and I still hadn't managed to make many friends. I felt the tears starting to build, but I took a deep breath and tried to push the thoughts aside.I needed a distraction.I reached over and turned on the radio, letting the music fill the car. As I listened, the announcer suddenly mentioned that a local café was hiring.My eyes widened."This is my chance!" I said excitedly. "This is my chance to get a second job!"I quickly turned up the volume and listened carefully as the announcer gave the café' address. I repeated it to myself a few times so I wouldn't forget.For the first time in a while, I felt a little spark of hope.Maybe things were finally starting to change. I pulled into Walmart's parking lot and parked the car. Who knew a small town would have a Walmart? I chuckled to myself as I headed inside.

As soon as I walked through the doors, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my shopping list. I unfolded it and looked it over.

This should be easy. Hopefully, I don't go over my budget.

I grabbed a cart and started making my way through the aisles, picking up everything on my list—eggs, a loaf of bread, cheddar cheese, and plenty of other things. Before I knew it, nearly an hour had passed.

I glanced at the time and realized I needed to hurry. My little sister was coming over soon, and I still had to get everything home.

I grabbed the last few things on my list and headed toward the checkout.

"Thank you for shopping at Walmart!" the cashier said as she scanned my groceries. Then she glanced at me and smiled.

"Are you in a hurry?" she asked.

"Yeah. My little sister is coming over, and I need to get home soon."

"Of course, sweetie. I'll get you checked out as quickly as I can."

I smiled and thanked her. She looked to be in her forties, with long brown hair that reached almost to her waist and long eyelashes that seemed to stand out even from across the counter. There was something warm and comforting about her voice.

"Have a nice day, sweetie," she said.

"You too," I replied.

I quickly loaded the groceries into my car, climbed into the driver's seat, and drove off toward home.

I let out a huge sigh of relief as I finally pulled into the parking lot of my apartment. After everything that had happened that day, it felt good to finally be home.

I quickly carried the grocery bags inside, making several trips from the car to the apartment. Once everything was inside, I put the groceries away as quickly as I could. I checked the clock and realized I didn't have much time before my little sister arrived.