Chapter 11

Diara knelt on the cold, hard floor, scrubbing relentlessly with a worn-out brush. Her muscles ached, and sweat dripped down her face, mingling with the soapy water that pooled around her knees. 

The sun was already climbing high in the sky, its heat seeping into the house and making the air thick and stifling. But despite the discomfort, Diara pushed on, her heart lifting slightly as she realized she was almost done.

She worked with a quiet determination, her mind focused on the goal ahead. If she could just finish cleaning the house in time, she might still make it to her appointment at Crownstar. 

The thought gave her the energy to keep going, to push through the fatigue that threatened to slow her down.

Finally, she scrubbed the last patch of floor, wiping away the dirt and grime with a sense of satisfaction. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.