However, dark the night, however, dim our hope is, the light will always follow the darkness. — Louis Zamperini

Tranquility encompassed the Jaramillo family as the weeks passed. However, Paloma couldn't erase the fear that consumed her.  A fear that something might go wrong. 

Her heart squeezed as she looked toward the stairs. Iris descended the stairs with a grim expression. Paloma wished she had the power to wipe away the sorrow that gleamed in her sister's eyes. 

"Morning, Sis; how are you doing?" Paloma asked as Iris slipped into a kitchen stool. 

Iris scowled. "I need to find another job ASAP!." She snatched the folded newspaper on the table and flipped it open. 

"That's understandable! I am sure you will find a job in no time."

"I hope so," Iris said without looking up. "I don't think I can tolerate being at home for another week."

"I understand how you feel." 

Silence returned and Paloma's eyes returned to the pages of the book opened in front of her. Information about various herbs filled the pages. Her ears perked up as footsteps drew closer. 

"Morning, Paloma and Iris!" Alexa's cheerful voice filled the space. 

Iris grunted a response without raising her head. Paloma sent her a smile and asked about her night. 

"It feels nice having both my sisters at home at the same time." Alexa grinned as she took a seat. 

Iris produced a scoff. "I don't like it one bit." 

Paloma watched Alexa's smile fall and sadness welled within her. Ever since Iris lost her job, she had become snarky in words and gloomy in attitude.

"Yes, it feels nice but it won't last forever; you will get a job very soon," Paloma said in a light tone with the hope of brightening the atmosphere. However, her hope shattered as both her sisters remained unsmiling. 

"I am going to make a cup of coffee for myself, is anyone interested?" Alexa broke the silence.  

Paloma shook her head. "No, thank you! I just had a cup of tea."

"What about you, Iris?" 

Iris grunted. "No, thank you! Everything tastes bland in my mouth lately." 

Alexa sighed and shook her head. Paloma's heart churned in pain for her elder sister. Several minutes passed with tension hanging over the ladies. An occasional flipping from Paloma's book cracked the silence. 

Suddenly, a loud slapping sound vibrated against the walls of the kitchen.  

"Ughh, none of the job vacancies look worthwhile." 

Paloma looked at Iris and sympathy filled her. Iris's face was marred with a deep scowl. 

"What jobs are you seeing?" Alexa asked after taking a sip of her coffee. 

"Nothing I can do!" Her mouth curled into a pout. "It's mostly positions of salespersons that are available." She shook her head. "I don't want to deal with customers who would try to frustrate me with their unending demands." She puffed out a breath and went silent. 

"Hmmm." Alexa hummed and drummed on the table. "I have an idea!" she suddenly exclaimed with sparkling eyes. 

Paloma turned to face her with a curious look. 

"And what's that?" Iris asked. 

"Well, why don't you assist Paloma in the shop until you get a job of your choice." 

"HECK NO!" 

Iris's shriek startled Paloma and she stared at her with wide eyes. 

"Why not?" 

"Because I do not want to use my time pounding herbs and spices and then turning them into bottles and jars. And most especially I don't have the patience to tend to temperamental patients.' She huffed and gave a stubborn tilt to her head. 

"But...but Paloma does all that. And besides, it is only going to be a temporary arrangement."

"No, thank you!" Iris's ponytail swished as she shook her head. "I rather stay at home than get my hands soiled with the stains from picking and cutting leaves. No offense, Paloma." She spared Paloma a quick glance.  

"None taken!" Paloma forced out a smile. She felt a flicker of hurt at her sister's words but fought not to let it get to her.

"So what are you going to do?" Alexa asked after a few minutes. 

"I don't know. Probably remain jobless!" She pushed back her chair and bolted out of the kitchen.  

"Whoa, I see a glimpse of the old Iris!" Alexa said as Iris's footsteps faded away. "The Iris that was created after her breakup with that rich brat." 

Paloma nodded. "Yeah, I am sadly seeing it too." She produced a sad smile. 

"It would be terrible if she relapses. It took such a long time for her  to get back to normal." 

Paloma's emotions heightened. "No, that won't happen. God won't allow that to happen. We won't allow her to go back." Panic rose within her but conviction quenched it. 

"But what can we do?" 

"We will give her what she wants." Her mind raced with various thoughts. 

"And what's that?" Confusion tinted Alexa's voice. 

"A job," Paloma stated with determination gleaming in her eyes.  

"Okay…" Alexa dragged out. "How are we going to find a job worthy of her pedigree? She has worked as a school administrator for so long."

"Hmmm…" Paloma skimmed her mind for an answer. "We could get her a job in one of her hobbies or interests."

"Fair enough! Iris has always had an interest in one thing, and that is sewing and fashion." 

"Well then… we will find her a job in that." A slow grin split on Paloma's face as an idea crept into her mind. 

                    ★★★★★

The afternoon sun stood high in the sky and burned down on Paloma as she rummaged the town for a job but to no success.  Her feet began to throb and hunger pangs gnawed at her stomach. 

She heaved as beads of sweat rolled down her face.  One more stop! Lord, please let it be successful. 

Her hopes lifted as she stumbled upon a small square building with Lolita's Designs written on a wooden board. The steps squeaked as she stepped on them. The door was swung open and she peered through. 

Heaps of fabrics in various hues filled two shelves. Dresses in various colors and styles hung on hangers in an open closet. An ironing board stood to one side.  Piles of unfinished clothes covered a chair. And in the center of the room was a woman huddled over a sewing machine. 

Paloma gave a swift knock to draw the woman's attention.  

Emerald eyes greeted her as the woman looked up. For some reason, her eyes looked familiar and she ransacked her brain for something to click but nothing came to mind. She dismissed her straying thoughts and smiled at the woman. 

"Good afternoon, ma'am!" 

A warm smile spread across the woman's face. "Afternoon, dear. Please come in." 

"Thank you!" Paloma slipped inside. A kind of warmth caressed her and the nervousness she felt in other places was not present. 

"What can I do for you, dear?" A light glint sparkled in her eyes.

"Please, I would like a job for my sister. She really needs it." Iris's pained look flashed before her.  

"Ah really? That's nice." The woman's smile didn't waver. "Does she sew?" 

"Uh, not really." Paloma tensed and her stomach squeezed in nervousness. "But she would really love to learn everything." 

The woman's eyes sparkled. "That's good! I love it when the young ones want to learn and grow." 

Paloma smiled and nodded. 

 It is turning out good. Oh Lord, please don't let her say no.

Paloma gazed as the woman's smile fell. Her heart churned in unease. 

The woman's eyes lost their sparkle. "I would definitely love another hand around here, but due to the financial situation, I can't afford to pay anyone." Her eyes dimmed with sadness. 

Paloma's heart roiled as disappointment washed over her. However, her mind raced with ways to salvage the situation. A solution popped into her mind and she smiled. 

"That's not a problem, ma'am. My sister is ready to work for free."

 Iris's anger flickered back to mind and she prayed her love for sewing will make her accept the job without payments. 

"That's wonderful!" The woman beamed. "I guess you should tell her to visit me tomorrow so that we can discuss some things." The sparkle in the woman's eyes returned. 

Paloma's eyes widened as she digested the woman's words. Her face lightened with joy as realization dawned on her. 

Thank you, Jesus! 

"Thank you so much, ma'am!" Paloma folded her hands and beamed at the woman. "I would forever be grateful to you."

You saved my family from a tragedy. Paloma's heart danced at the thought.  

The woman's smile broadened. "Don't mention it, dear!" 

"I should go and inform her." Paloma couldn't stop smiling. She hoped Iris would be pleased to hear the news. 

Lolita nodded with her unwavering smile. 

"Thank you so much again! I appreciate it." Paloma felt an urge to embrace the woman but she restrained herself and turned to go. However, the woman's voice stopped her in her tracks and she turned back to face her. 

"What's your name, dear?" The woman's eyes gleamed with curiosity. 

"Paloma Jaramillo." Paloma watched an indecipherable glint flicker in her eyes. A look akin to recognition. 

"It's nice to meet you, dear!" A different kind of warmth shone in her eyes. "I look forward to meeting you again." 

"Likewise, ma'am!" She sent the woman a kind smile and ambled out. 

She thought of the woman as she walked. A feeling of familiarity radiated around the woman and Paloma felt like she shared a connection with someone she knew. However, no one came to mind. 

Paloma pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind and focused her mind on the pressing matters in her family. 

                      ★★★★★

With a spring to her steps and a grin on her lips, Paloma bounded up the porch steps and pushed the front door open. However, the scene that greeted her erased her smile and caused her guts to clench in worry. 

"What's wrong, Papà!" Paloma took tentative steps toward her parents who sat on the couch with pinched expressions. 

Paloma slipped onto the armchair opposite them. She placed her hands on her knees and leaned forward. Her heart pounded with anxiety. 

Timothy turned dark eyes to face her.  "Mr. Newt called all the staff for an emergency meeting."

Paloma stiffened as her fear increased. "What was the meeting for?" Her voice came out low. 

"He questioned us about the snitch who spread the news of the deforestation." 

"What?" She said in a loud voice. Her eyes filled with horror. 

Oh lord, no! 

Paloma trembled and her mind ran wild with emotions. 

Timothy's face morphed into a scowl and he balled his fists. 

Elena finally broke the silence. "What would be the worst thing that could happen if he finds out you are the one?" 

Timothy's eyes grew darker. "I don't really know. But I would probably lose my job."

Elena gasped. "If that happens we will be heading towards a financial crisis." 

 Paloma felt her life being sucked out of her. Dizziness washed through her. The glaring implication of the situation punched her. 

Her mother's tears filled her ears and her despair increased. Things seemed to be going from bad to worse. And the glimmer of hope was fast dissipating. 

                            ★★★★
Oooh, Paloma and Lolita met! 😁
What are your thoughts on their meeting?

But oh, poor Paloma and her family! Things are getting harder and harder 😭
What do you think could happen if Timothy's boss finds out he is the snitch?

Let the comments section overflow with your thoughts and opinions. XD

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Until next time, keep hoping for the best. ❤