Erika sits at the kitchen table. She pulls hard on her vape, waiting for the coffee to perk. Morning light seeks to soften the edges, but she is rough. She tries not to think about the beer in the fridge.
It’s a choice.
The phone rings. Her dad. Voice scratchy, not the one she recalls from childhood. Mom fell again, going to see the doctor today. Erika trades her vape for a cigarette.
Work soon, the car is on “E” and payday two days out.
She stares at the fridge. One quick beer before work; tomorrow, maybe a better choice.
wanted to keep reading! really effective, thank you for sharing, i like this format you've devised.
"Erika trades her vape for a cigarette."
this line is so simple but so rich in meaning