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Chapter 13 - Chapter 3.3 – One More Shift

Sasha stood outside the restaurant, car keys in hand, but she didn't move.

Carla's words echoed in her head:

"Tomorrow, only one of you comes back."

It felt like a sentence, like waiting for execution or release — and she didn't even know which.

She climbed into her car, hands gripping the wheel, but didn't start it.

What if she was the one off the schedule? What if all those shifts, all that grinding and bending and swallowing her pride… was for nothing?

Her phone buzzed again. Another notification: "Apply now – flexible schedule, remote work."

She swiped it away.

Across town, Debbie sat at her kitchen table, a cold cup of tea untouched in front of her.

She stared at the wall, silent.

She'd been angry before — walked out of jobs, cursed out managers, even thrown a tray once.

But today? Today felt different.

She was tired. Not just physically, but deep in her bones.

And for the first time in a long time, she didn't feel right.

Her niece's recital was tonight.

She looked at the clock. She could go. But instead, she just sat there, counting her teeth with her tongue.

One more shift.

That's all she had left. Maybe less.

The next morning, both women arrived early.

Luis stood at the dish drop, arms folded.

"Well," he said. "Which of you is the survivor?"

Neither answered.

The shift hadn't started, but the war was already in the air.

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