Twisted Deal

The harsh afternoon sun beat against the thin, drawn curtains, casting dusty slivers of light across Elena’s small, unmade bed. She lay spread-eagled on the sagging mattress, trying to force her exhausted body to rest. Her grueling evening shift at the Onyx Lounge loomed just a few hours away, promising another night of aching feet and forced smiles. Despite her best efforts to clear her mind, her