SURVIVAL

ARYA’S POV He paused for a moment before responding. “I'll find it. Is thirty minutes too long for you to wait?" I nodded even though he couldn’t see me. "Okay." "Arya?" His voice softened. "I'm so glad you called. I've been so worried." I hung up before I could respond, my heart racing. What was I doing? What if this was a mistake? No. I couldn't spiral. I needed help, and Marco had offered it before. Maybe he could get me a job, or loan me enough money to make rent until I found something stable. ****** The café was small and quiet, tucked away from the main streets. I ordered a tea I couldn't really afford and sat in the back corner, watching the door. Marco arrived exactly thirty minutes later. I almost didn't recognize him. The last time I'd seen him, he looked slightly disheveled. Now he looked... refined. His suit was expertly tailored, his hair styled perfectly, his shoes probably worth more than everything I owned. He looked like money. Like someone who belonged in my fath