From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

“Ann, what are you up to?” Carole called out as she rapped on the door and peeked inside with a mix of curiosity and concern. “What in the world is this?” © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Anthea replied without looking up from the disassembled pieces that surrounded her. “Just got a new computer, but it seems to be on the fritz. I’m checking it out.”

“Do you think you can put it back together?” Carole widened her eyes in disbelief.

Wiping the sweat from her brow, Anthea confidently assured her. “Of course, Mom.”

As they chatted, Anthea casually dropped the news, “Oh, by the way, we’re moving tomorrow.”

“Moving?” Carole was taken aback.

Living in a basement flat was no good for their health, but the rent in Cloudcrest wasn’t pocket–friendly. How could they afford to move?

With a reassuring smile, Anthea said, “Don’t worry about the money. I made a decent sum from some stocks and mutual funds I dabbled in. After paying back what I owed to a friend, we’ve got enough left over to cover rent for a year.”

Η

Truth be told, the cash was all from a lucky streak at the casino.

Anthea wasn’t yet familiar with the rules of this world to risk the stock market. She stuck to what she knew best.

For now, the winnings were enough to secure a new place.

Once she completed her first mission, the paycheck would be substantial.

After all, an ultra–rare mission promised a hefty bounty.

“Alright then, I’ll start packing.” Carole said, getting to her feet.

Grinning, Anthea suggested, “Mom, let’s ditch the old junk. The new place is fully furnished. Just pack some clothes for you and Uncle Nanson.”

Carole hesitated, reluctant to part with their belongings. “Well, maybe I can sell some stuff to the flea market.”

“That works,” Anthea nodded in agreement.

If Anthea had logged onto the tech forums at that moment, she would’ve seen the buzz all about her.

“Did you guys catch that? Some hotshot just swooped in and nabbed that insanely hard, rare mission that’s been up for grabs for weeks! @Phoenix–YC”

“Holy smokes! What a boss! Take me under your wing @Phoenix–YC

“Did no one notice that Phoenix–YC is a total newbie?”

“Whoa! A fresh account!”

“I’m freaking out, guys!”

“I’ve been waiting for days. Why couldn’t a real pro take this mission?”

“If anyone can pull this off, I’ll follow him!”

“Agreed!”

“Screenshot taken!”

Nobody believed Phoenix YC could complete this mission. Before long, everyone’s attention had shifted elsewhere.

Learning about the move, Uncle Nanson was thrilled. “I’ll bring over the company truck tomorrow to haul all our stuff in one go.”

Anthea laughed lightly, “A truck is an overkill. We hardly have anything. A van will do.”

“A van it is,” Uncle Nanson agreed with a nod.

That evening, Carole had packed everything up, a modest pile of their life’s possessions.

“Ann, are we tossing the TV too?”

Anthea glanced at it. “Yeah, it’s kaput, isn’t it?”

“Suppose so.”

Though these items were worn, they were all Carole had acquired over the years. Selling them was not easy. Her eyes reddened at the thought.

But some things, no matter how hard, had to be let go.

She needed to keep pace with the times. With a daughter as capable as Anthea, she couldn’t afford to lag behind.

After over a decade in the basement, they were finally moving on, and the neighbors couldn’t help but express their envy. “Carole, congrats! You’re finally moving out of this place.”