From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

In a heartbeat, Anthea let go of Karen’s hand. “Mrs. Christensen, your headaches have been bugging you for twenty years?”

Karen looked at Anthea, astonished. “Ann, how did you come to know that?”

“I’ve picked up a bit of the ancient healing arts,” Anthea replied. “Mrs. Christensen, I’ve seen this kind of headache before. If you trust me, I have a remedy to cure your ailment.”

“Really?” Karen’s eyes sparkled with hope. Her headaches were bearable most of the time, but when they hit, they were crippling. She couldn’t even get out of bed, and the pain would last for days on end. It seemed to flare up at least once a month.

Hearing Anthea might have a cure, Karen was more than happy.

Anthea nodded, picked up a pen, scribbled the remedy on the back of a menu, tore it off, and handed it to Karen. “Here’s the recipe for the remedy. Keep it safe.”

Karen took the paper gratefully. “Thank you so much, Ann!”

“I’m just doing what I can,” Anthea smiled. “By the way, what would you like for dinner tonight?” Karen listed off a few dishes. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

After their meal, Anthea mentioned she would be leaving the next day.

Upon hearing that, Karen’s face fell. “Oh, Ann, you’re leaving? Does that mean I won’t see you again?”

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Christensen,” Anthea reassured her with a smile. “My number is on that recipe. Call me anytime you want to chat or if you need anything. And here, take this.” She pulled a wad of cash

from her pocket and pressed it into Karen’s hand.

Anthea had withdrawn the money from the bank earlier, wanting to help the elderly lady living alone.

Karen’s eyes brimmed with tears as she said, “Ann, thank you.”

“It’s nothing.”

After her late shift, Anthea found Harriet.

Harriet handed her an envelope. “Here’s your salary for the last two months.‘”

Anthea accepted it with both hands. “Thank you, Harriet.”

“You sure about leaving?” Harriet asked.

“Yeah,” Anthea nodded slightly.

Harriet gave a little smile. “Then I wish you good luck getting a great new job.”

0

1/2

11:25

Anthea frowned, puzzled why Harriet always assumed she was dropping out of school, but she didn’t bother to correct her and just thanked her.

Harriet watched Anthea walk away, a cold smirk on her face. Just wait and see!

Within three days, Anthea would be back, begging for her job.

The following morning, the family sat down for breakfast.

“Ann. I’m feeling better now. I can start back at the rotisserie today,” said Carole.

A month’s rest had done wonders for Carole’s complexion, and even her wrinkles seemed to fade. She looked rejuvenated.

While peeling an egg leisurely, Anthea said, “I quit the job at the rotisserie. It was too exhausting and didn’t pay well. You don’t need to go back there.”

Carole was anxious upon hearing that. “Ann, I know you’re looking out for me, but I am better now. I can’t just sit around, and the little we made at the rotisserie helped with the bills.”

Carole didn’t want to be a burden to her daughter.

Anthea sipped her milk and looked up. “Mom, if you want to do something, I have an idea.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“I’ve got some savings, and I was thinking we could rent a spot and you could run it. A little diner could do well. How about opening one?”

“A diner?” Carole frowned. “I’m not good at cooking. Do you think people would come?”

Anthea smiled reassuringly. “You and uncle always say how good my cooking is. I’ll teach you! And if business picks up, we can hire some help, right?”