CHAPTER 61

The rhythm of the bus engine had become a familiar sound of the past few weeks to Amelia. She had left home and went to another state and made sure that even the traces of her previous life were not traceable. Now, as she looked out of the window seeing the enormous size of Seattle, she could feel the nervousness mixed with the eagerness in her stomach.



This was it. The place where she would begin all over again. After feeling she was being followed in where she had just left.



When the bus was almost at the station, Amelia packed the few items that she had with her. The rucksack she wore on her back had only the things she possessed in her life now; spare clothes, little cash, and a new mobile phone she bought to ensure she could not be tracked. Though not much it was a beginning to a dream.




Disembarking from the bus, Amelia drew a sharp breath at the cool, fresh air of Seattle. People were going about their business unabated conscious of the woman they jostled as they went about their errands. This was the first time in several months that the woman felt fully incognito. There was no recognition of her as the kidnap victim, the girl who had fled a vile life and brought back the pack’s shame and compassion. Here she could not even stand out from the dozen of inconspicuous forgotten souls.



Oh yes, she was very busy immediately she realized that her first need was shelter. Before coming to this city, Amelia had analyzed several low-cost strategies; therefore, she went to the University District and found a youth hostel. It was not very fancy but it was neat and the rents were reasonable – just what she needed to find her a place in the city.


Once Amelia had registered in the hotel and stored her backpack in a locker, she decided to leave it and go on a sightseeing spree. The bright spirit of the city was inspiring her and created the feeling of starting something new inside her. Amelia was strolling on the streets she looked at the advertisement boards that say ‘’Wanted-Workers’’ displayed in the windows of shops.



Reality set in quickly. Another thing, if she hoped to build a life here, she’d have to get a job, the job that she couldn't get where she had left. It was apparent that her savings would not last for a very long time.


Later that night at the hostel, Amelia was perched on the bed, Indian style with a borrowed laptop, on her lap. She had to start the long and tedious process of searching for a job and got online employment ads and a resume ready. It was a challenge, she thought – how could she provide the employers with a good alibi to refuse the employers an interview?

Finally, she opted for what can be described as what happened, but only those aspects that did not offend the two. She enumerated her previous minor engagements before everything as when she was still independent, and attributed the later period as taking time off for personal reasons due to health issues, even though it was not entirely a lie.

Time passed in the form of days as Amelia found herself doing the things she used to do daily. During the morning, numerous job openings had to be searched and then the résumés were submitted. In the afternoons, she will go out walking the city part with resumes and visiting various companies with ‘’Tenders for Employment’’. Interested appointments had to be pursued at night together with the preparation for probable interlocution interviews.

It was grim, frequently depressing work. Most of the companies did not respond to her applications; the few that responded demanded experience she had no clue about. However, Amelia was not ready to let go of the fight. She could not afford to fail at this stage, she thought to herself.

Within a week of her starting her search, Amelia got her first interview. An advertisement in the local newspaper read: “Part-time Sales Associate Wanted – A small, independent bookstore is seeking. ” Amelia felt her heart joy when the thought occurred to her that she would spend hours surrounded by books. Reading had always been her way out, her only comfort when she was a prisoner in the dark cell.

The day on which the interview was to be conducted started rather beautifully; the sky was clear of any cloudy formation. Amelia wore her best clothes – rather a blouse and a skirt that she had bought in a second-hand store. She got to the bookstore before most people did and before browsing she took a look at the sign that was handwritten on a slab of wood and the windows.

Inhaling deeply to compose herself Amelia opened the door. She entered the café rather sensuously and there, a bell above the door went off to mark her presence. The interior of the store looked warm because of the many books on the shelves on the floor, comfortable chairs for reading and delicacies for coffee lovers.

“Hello?” Amelia asked shakily.

A head rose from behind the counter – a stout woman around fifty, with a greying head of hair and soft, weary-looking eyes behind heavy-rimmed spectacles.

She was taken aback when the lady walked over to her, grabbed the hand she was absentmindedly twirling over his head and said, “Oh! You must be Amelia. ” “Hello, nice to meet you I am Margaret the owner of this shop, would you join me in the back for a bit?”

Amelia agreed that Margaret led her to a cramped office that was located behind a beaded curtain. As they got seated for the meal, Amelia felt the month of nervousness rising to her neck. This was the first proper job interview that she had ever had in what felt like a lifetime.

But as Margaret started asking questions, Amelia felt herself calm down. They spoke of books – the authors they preferred, which type of books they liked reading, and the ability of a book to influence people. Amelia smiled to herself knowing that her love for the literary works was evident and she noticed Margaret’s eyes were brightening up whenever they engaged in a discussion.

However, when the conversation shifted to Amelia’s employment history she remained consistent with the fabricated history. “The final one may have been due to health issues; she had to skip a few sessions,” she anxiously clarified. ‘But, I’m fully recovered now and wish to get back to work. ,’

Margaret nodded sympathetically. Each of us has moments that could be turned into a book; what matters is that they don’t consume your thoughts, she said. “Where the story is heading is the important thing. ”

When invited to bring the interview to a close, the lady brightened up and smiled widely breaking into a conversation. “Well, Amelia, let me tell you that I am not disappointed with what you have presented to me,” I said sincerely, “Your knowledge of literature is vast, and you do show passion in your work, how about we begin the next weekend as a trial?”

Amelia's heart soared. ‘‘I’d love that,’’ she said smiling and trying her best to conceal the level of enthusiasm she was feeling. That is such a kind thing for you to say and I am grateful for this opportunity. ”

They shook hands and for the first time, Amelia walked out of the store, feeling as light as a feather. She has done it, the first step towards genuine freedom from everyone.