Claire was 22 years old, full of the kind of hope and excitement about the future that only youth can bring. She was passionate about psychology, fully immersed in her studies at the University of Washington in Seattle. To her, understanding the human mind wasn’t just an academic pursuit—it was a calling. She wanted to help people, especially those who felt lonely and marginalized. Her immigrant parents had struggled to find acceptance in their new life in the United States, and Claire often thought about how she could make the world a better place for people like them. Her dream was to create a safe space for anyone in need of support and guidance.
By day, Claire interned at a community center, assisting therapists and psychologists during sessions. She organized files, took notes, and observed the intricate work of helping others heal. By night, she worked as a waitress at a bustling restaurant to pay for her tuition. Her schedule was exhausting, but Claire never complained. Her bright smile and boundless energy lit up any room she walked into, and it wasn’t long before she became a favorite among her coworkers and customers.
There was one thing Claire loved most about her evenings: the walk to the bus stop after her shift. For her, it was a time to relax and reflect. She loved the crisp Seattle night air, the way the streetlights cast soft glows on the pavement, and the quiet hum of the city around her. It was her time to feel free, to let her thoughts wander.
That night—the night that changed everything—Claire was leaving the restaurant after a long shift. She’d just finished wiping down tables and stacking chairs when a coworker called out, “Hey, want a ride? It’s freezing out there.” Claire shook her head with a warm smile. “Thanks, but I don’t mind the walk.” She liked her routine, her little slice of peace.
Disclaimer:
Original story created by GCA
Contact gca.websolution@gmail.com
This story is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, audios, or locations is purely coincidental. All characters, settings, and events are entirely fictional and created for entertainment purposes only.
