I’ve always wanted to be a journalist.Luna is my mom’s closest friend, and I’ve worked here since I was fourteen.Luna would let me come to work with her to sort the mail, restock the breakroom, and pretend I wasn’t eavesdropping during story meetings.Those afternoons, surrounded by the noise of printers and the smell of fresh ink, planted the seed of desire in my heart.
But this isn’t the life I imagined.
I thought I’d outgrow this town.Take what I learned and run with it.Maybe I’d land a bigger paper, in a city where people didn’t know me as Luna’s best friend’s daughter.And follow my dream of reporting on more lifestyle topics like fashion, beauty, and trends, but that kind of coverage isn’t exactly popular in a town like this.But then Mom got sick, and running wasn’t an option anymore.So I stayed.And that meant working my way up here, in the same building where it all started.
“And congratulations on your latest article,” she adds.“It was sharp, engaging, and stirred up just the right amount of buzz.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”She smiles.
I wrote about the new doctor in town.The one who broke protocol by administering unauthorized medication and was dismissed from a major New York City hospital.I still don’t understand why someone like that thinks they can just waltz in here, setting up shop as if nothing happened.Exposing him felt like doing the town a favor.
“Are you working on another piece about him?”she asks.
Ever since the article ran, locals have been calling and emailing the paper or stopping Luna in the street, asking for more.
“Yes, and one on the welcome party.”The words feel bitter on my tongue.
“It’ll be sensational,” Luna says.“I want you covering it.Photos, articles, the works.”
“Of course.I think it’s great to welcome him,” I manage, though I’m not convinced he deserves it.But I keep my opinions to myself.No way am I jeopardizing this promotion.Because this isn’t just a title; it’s a raise that means I can pay medical and daily bills with ease, and have more control over the stories I pitch, and finally get some respect in the newsroom.
Sure, the town’s heard the rumors, people talk, but that’s never stopped them from showing up with pie and chairs.That’s just how they are.They’d rather be seen as warm and neighborly than risk looking judgmental or divided.Hosting a welcome party doesn’t mean they’re taking sides; it just means they’re being polite.
Still, I can’t help but wonder why he’d agree to come.Surely he knows someone will be there covering it.Then again, who knows… he might not even show up.
“I’m opening the position externally too,” she adds casually, as if it’s no big deal.
The words hit like a punch.My stomach sinks.I thought it would stay within the team.Most of us have been here for years, staying in this town, covering the usual local stories… Minor fires, car accidents, the mayor’s latest drama about ducks, or more recently the Mercedes-Benz driver’s turkey takeover.I remember how a few days ago, I saved Adrian when his car got overtaken by turkeys.And I’m not talking about a few birds.No, I’m talking about an entire flock, led by King Russell himself.I’ll never forget the look on his face when I pulled up.I knew food would work.As soon as Russell started pecking, I warned Adrian to get in his car before the turkeys figured out they’d been tricked.Then I took off, heading home after picking up medication for Mom from the nearby town, Prescott Valley.
I force a smile.“Let me know if you need anything else for the weekend.”
“I know you’ll do great,” she says warmly.“Better let you get back to it.”
As I leave her office, determination flares within me.This isn’t over.Not by a long shot.
I head back to my desk, my heart still racing from the meeting.My butt barely touches the chair before Violet leans over her laptop, whispering across the white desk.
“What was that about?”
I know she hasn’t had her talk with Luna yet, but she will.
Violet and I are similar in style… Black pants, a camel coat draped over her chair, a sleek black top, and her straightened, glossy black hair falling perfectly into place.She only started here a couple of years ago when her family moved to town.
I’m about to tell Violet about the meeting, just as Luna calls her name.
Violet stands, smoothing her pants, and heads into Luna’s office.
When she returns, she drops into her chair.
“Are you excited?”I ask, leaning forward.
“No,” she replies flatly.
“You don’t want it?You’re not even going to apply?”
She shakes her head.“No, I’m happy where I am.You go for it.”
