The second semester is coming to an end, and I can't wait any longer, but I guess I'll spend most of my time in the convenience store since I'll start working all day once the break begins.

"I'm so stressed, roman," I whined. "If only I could run away," I said.

"It's easy to run away, but remember that facing your problems and working on them will make you stronger,"

"You're right, but it's a headache," I told him.

I'm restocking some chips on the shelves while sharing my problems with Roman. I have been thinking about the money we need for my father's therapy. I was thinking about where I could get the money we needed, not until Roman gave me an idea.

"How's your business going?" he asked me.
"We haven't taken any orders yet," I sighed.
"Why don't you try selling your brownies here in the store? Talk to the owner, ask him if you can do that," he suggested.
"Do you think I can do that?" I asked. I was shy to ask the owner, but my shyness wouldn't take me anywhere, so I tried calling him as soon as possible.

I took my phone out and called him. He answered my call in just a few rings.

"Hey, Cara! Is there something wrong?" He asked me.

"No. I'm sorry for calling this late. Everything's okay here in the store." I said, assuring him that everything's good here.

"Okay? So what's up?" He asked.

"I want to ask permission if I could sell brownies here in the store?" I was biting my nails again. I'm nervous.

"Why?" He asked.

"I have a financial problem, so I was trying my luck if I could sell some brownies to earn more," I said frankly.

"Okay, I'll allow you but promised me it wouldn't affect your performance as a worker at the store," He said calmly. I was shocked he allowed me. So, I immediately texted Julia.

"Julia, can I bake fudgy brownies tomorrow morning? I'll buy the ingredients later when I leave work. I'll use my own money first. 50% of the income will be for our business, and can I use the other 50% for my dad's therapy?" I texted her.

It took her an hour before she replied.

"Okay, cara! We'll bake tomorrow. See you!" she texted back.

I am glad she allowed me to use 50% of the income for my father's needs. You're a blessing to me, Julia! I am always grateful for you.
Thank you, Roman!" I said.

"Don't be shy, Cara! Shyness will take a lot of opportunity from you," He smiled at me.

He's right. Shyness can ruin opportunities. If I were shy and didn't ask the owner, I would still be here worrying though I know that my earnings will not be that high, at least somehow I could earn a little that could help us.

My shift was over. We closed the shop, and I went to buy the ingredients. I hope someone will buy it tomorrow.

I went home once I bought everything I needed.

"Cara? What's that?" I heard Carlon's voice. I looked around and saw him outside his room.

"Is mom in the hospital?" I asked him.

"Yes, dad will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow." He said, yawning. "Aunt Judy went there to pay the bills," he added. I nodded at him and let him go back to sleep since I knew he was tired too.

I was able to sleep peacefully. I set the alarm at 5 am, but I woke up before the alarm rang. I quickly went to the bathroom and shower. I need to bake early. So I can bring the brownies later at 10 am when I go back to work.

I rang the doorbell at Julia's house, and she opened the door for me.
Mom wants to help you with your father's therapy," she said. Her mom and my dad were batchmates in high school.

"Really? I'd appreciate any help," I said.

"I hope you can sell all of this," she said while mixing the ingredients.

"I hope to," I sighed.

"I know you're too tired physically and mentally, but don't give up, okay?" she said. Sincerely. "The semester break will begin tomorrow. I know you will work harder. Just tell me if you need any help," she added.
I want to make our business work. I feel like it could help us." I suddenly see potential in this business. I want to take a risk.

"I will sell the brownies in the convenience store, so can we pack this individually and not in a box?" I asked her again.

"We can do that."

We put the tray in the oven and prepared the packaging.

We were walking to the store when we noticed a group of friends entering the store. We walked faster, laughing together when we realized we were so desperate to sell these brownies.