Chapter 1: Running on Fumes

Kayla was 23 years old, and still lived with her parents in the “Southland” (a.k.a. Southern California). This was not by choice; ever since she finished college, rents and home prices were exceedingly high. She chafed at the restrictions her well-meaning mother imposed on her. As far as she could tell, Kayla’s restrictions at 23 were not much different than when she was 16 and in high school.

Along with accounting for her daily activities and schedule, Kayla also had her clothing and appearance strictly controlled. Not just by her parents but also by her primary job: she shuttled contracts and other legal documents from office to office, or to the courthouse. She also was a mobile notary, particularly busy with mortgage refinancing. Usually she would bring an enormous stack of paperwork decorated with “SIGN HERE >” plastic flags to a home for both borrowers to sign and/or initial. Over and over and over again.

Her secondary job was a side hustle delivering fast food or restaurant meals for a ride-hailing company. The money was kind of terrible, and her business clothes picked up odors. Between the dry cleaning and gasoline costs, she was convinced this food delivery gig was a complete waste of time.

More importantly, her social life was nil. In college she was known as a friendly and exciting young woman. She never lacked for dates, and enjoyed a few longer-term relationships. As a student, Kayla was secure in her looks. She was tall, trim, and athletic, with very dark brown eyes and short curly black hair. Her skin was a rich dark chocolate color.

Every week that passed saw Kayla more and more dispirited. She felt disconnected from life, and resentful of her parents control over her. The food delivery work was ruining her appetite, to the point she was visibly drawn and weak. Kayla was more and more existing on the drive-through window at Starbucks.

There was a breaking point ahead, to be sure. And she had no idea how to avoid losing her shit.