Julia is 37 years old and has never been married. She worked as an accountant. Still, she can’t seem to find any meaning in her life. She hasnt discovered her calling.
Shes feeling terribly sleepy. She wakes up and drags herself to work. Its her shift again. Julia recently took a job as a waitress. Now she has to serve customers on the summer patio, and when its her shift, she has to be at work by six in the morning. After all, people start arriving from seven oclock onwards.
Because Julia lives out in the suburbs, to avoid being late she needs to leave even earlierby five. Her train connections arent great, and changing buses can be a nightmare. Sometimes the bus is late, or it gets stuck in traffic.
Julia starts her morning as usual, wiping down the tables before opening the patio, because every day a new layer of dust seems to settle. Guests should always have clean seats and clean tables. She hums a familiar tune to herself.
My mum sings well too, suddenly comes a small voice.
Julia is startled to hear anyone around so early. She looks up to see a little girl, probably about five or six, standing there on her own. Julia looks around as well.
What are you doing out here? All alone? So early in the morning?
I went for a walk, and to get food for me and my brother. Miss, do you have any bread? the girl asks shyly. Julia can see that shes hungry.
Of course. Sit down, Ill go and find something in the kitchen. Wheres your brother?
Hes at home, just around the corner. With our Gran.
Julia doesnt ask why the girl is alone, or where her parents are. She waits for the girl to explain.
Our parents died a long time ago, and Gran is very old, she forgets everythingsometimes she doesnt even remember us, her own grandchildren.
Julia has no idea what to say. The words knock the breath out of her.
I dont mean to trouble you, I just wanted a bit of bread, so I can bring it home to my brother and Gran.
Thats all rightwait for me, dont go anywhere. Ill help you, Julia says.
Julia asks her colleague to cover for her shift. She explains she needs to step out for a bit, and walks with the girl.
The little girl has her own key. They go inside and find a boy, about eighteen months old, crawling on the floor and playing. He beams at their arrival. An elderly woman is lying in bed, not even noticing anything. Shes in some kind of daze.
What on earth is going on here? Julia exclaims, shocked.
She quickly calls an ambulance. The paramedics arrive and take Gran awayits clear from her condition she doesnt have long left. Julia then takes the children home with her. Her thirteen-year-old son is there, surprised at the new arrivals. But when Julia explains everything, he understands and is supportive.
They never argue, mother and son. Theres always been trust between them. Arguments simply dont happen in their home. He always helps his mum, is sensible and good-natured. He agrees to look after the children while Julia is at work.
Ten days later, Gran passes away. Its clear the children will be sent to a childrens home. Julias heart aches; theyre so sweet, so well-behaved, already a part of their little familyshe cant bear the idea of letting them go. Julia thinks of what it would be like for them, sent to strangers in a home. So she decides to take responsibilityshell adopt them, become their guardian.
She has to leave her job as a waitress, and finally takes up her friends long-standing offer for an accounting job. Her friend even helps her with the paperwork. Within a few weeks, Julia is able to legally make the children a permanent part of her life.
So this is why you worked as a waitress! her friend jokes. Clearly, it was your long-term plan finally taking shape.
Who would have thought her life could change so completely? That shed have three children, and that shed be choosing between new professions. Julias not used to having to be so strong, but she rises to meet the challenge life has brought her.
