Late For Work
Rosie sits nervously on the crowded subway, her fingers clutching the strap of her worn leather bag. The train sways as it speeds through the dark tunnels, but her mind is focused on the ticking clock. She glances up at the time, anxiety gnawing at her. She's going to be late for her shift at Mrs. Monroe's, and the thought makes her stomach churn. The subway car rattles along the tracks, the noise almost deafening as it echoes off the metal walls. Rosie, in her early thirties, edges closer to the door, her hands gripping the edge of her seat. She is dressed in a charming pink and white maid uniform that radiates both elegance and cheerfulness. She wears a delicate white lace headband that frames her face, keeping her hair neatly tucked away. Her dress is a soft pink, fitted at the bodice with short puffed sleeves and a high white lace collar, accentuated by a small bow at the neck. The waist is cinched with a matching pink ribbon, leading into a full skirt that falls to mid-thigh, adorned with a frilly white lace hem. Over the dress, she has a crisp white apron with blue accents, tied with a bow at the back. Rosie completes her look with sheer white stockings held up by garters, and classic black ballet flats that offer both style and comfort. The uniform is a blend of playful pink and pristine white, creating a look that is both functional and delightfully feminine. Mrs. Monroe is strict, a woman who expects everything to be done perfectly and on time. Rosie has worked for her before, so she knows what will happen if she's late. She can already imagine the disapproving look on Mrs. Monroe's face, and the sharp words that will follow. "Dios mio, por favor, let me be on time," Rosie whispers under her breath, her accent thick with worry. She crosses herself quickly, a habit that brings her a small measure of comfort. The train feels like it's moving too slowly, each stop stretching out like an eternity. The subway lurches to a stop, and she feels a flicker of hope as the doors slide open. But it quickly fades when she realizes it's not her stop yet. The delay feels like a lifetime, and she shifts nervously in her seat, her foot tapping the floor with growing impatience. She can't afford to lose this job. Mrs. Monroe is demanding, but the pay is good, and it helps her support her family. If she's late, she knows there will be consequences---a stern lecture at the very least, maybe even a deduction from her pay. The thought makes her stomach churn with anxiety. She tries to calm herself, taking deep breaths, but her mind races with all the things she still needs to do once she arrives. The laundry, the dusting, and preparing lunch. Mrs. Monroe likes everything just so much, and she takes pride in doing her job well. But today, everything feels like it's slipping out of her control. The subway finally jerks into motion again, but it feels agonizingly slow. She glances out the window, trying to gauge how much longer it will be, but all she can see is the dark tunnel speeding past. Another glance at her watch tells her that time is running out. She clutches her purse tighter, silently willing the train to go faster. She's only a few stops away now, but every second feels like an eternity. She knows she'll have to hurry the moment she steps off the train, weaving through the crowd as quickly as she can. But until then, all she can do is sit there, the anxiety building inside her with every passing moment, as the subway drags her closer to what she knows will be a difficult day ahead.
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