From that moment, I knew exactly what I needed to do. I was going to take her to the ocean—seven days of sunshine, seafood, and peace. No bills. No stress. Just us.

I started working double shifts at Rosie’s Diner, where the owner let me waitress evenings after school. My fingers cramped from carrying heavy trays, and my feet ached from hours on tile floors. But every tip went straight into my shoebox savings fund.

“Vera, table six wants extra ketchup!” Diana, the head waitress who’d become like an older sister, shouted across the room. “Coming right up!” I replied, forcing a smile for the demanding customer who’d already sent back his burger twice.

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