HARD CHOICES

ARYA’S POV The knock on my door came at eight in the morning, and I knew who it was before I opened it. Mrs. Marta stood in the hallway, her face was set in the same hard way I’ve been seeing every day for the past week. "Arya," she greeted with a huff. "I’ve been patient with you enough. When are you paying?” My chest squeezed uncomfortably . "I know, Mrs. Marta. I'm so sorry.” I nervously licked my lips. “I've been looking for work, and I thought I would have something by now, but-" "Everyone has excuses." She cut me off with a wave of her hand. "I run a business, not a charity. You have until the end of the month. That's twelve days. If you can't pay by then, you're out." I gasped, scrambling forward. "Please, I just need a little more time. I promise I'll get you your money.” "End of the month, Miss Russo." She used the fake surname I gave her when I moved in. "No extensions." She left before I could plead further, her footsteps echoing down the narrow hallway. I closed the door an