Page 22 of Echoes of Eternity

Chivonn’s eyes were empathetic as she listened. “I can’t pretend to fully know what that’s like, but I can relate to the feeling of being caught between obligation and personal happiness. Growing up, I had to take on a lot of responsibilities at home. My mom worked longhours, and I ended up kind of becoming a second mother to my younger siblings.”

I looked at her, intrigued. “That sounds like a huge responsibility. How did you manage all that?”

Chivonn sighed, her expression thoughtful. I noticed her client glancing her way, and when he realized I had caught him, he quickly pretended to be engrossed in the ceiling.

“It was tough,” she continued. “I was basically juggling school, work, and taking care of my siblings. It felt like my whole life was dictated by what I needed to do for them, and there was hardly any room left for me to figure out what I wanted. I wanted to support my family and be there for them, but it was hard to keep pushing aside my own dreams, you know?”

Yes, I did know. Her words resonated deeply. “I can understand that. It’s like you’re torn between your responsibilities and what you want for yourself. I’m always trying to balance honoring my parents and following my own path, and it feels like I’m constantly struggling to keep everyone happy.”

Chivonn nodded, her gaze still thoughtful as she crossed her arms, pushing up her ample cleavage. “Exactly. There’s this constant battle between doing what you’re expected to do and what feels right for you. Girl, I eventually had to make some tough decisions. I realized that if I didn’t take care of myself and pursue my own dreams, I’d end up resentful and unfulfilled.”

I could see the pain and resolve in her eyes, areflection of her own journey. “It’s a hard lesson to learn. I want to be there for my parents and make them proud, but it’s painful to hear their disappointment every time I make a choice that doesn’t align with their expectations.”

As she spoke, I felt a tug in my chest, realizing I should really hang out with Chivonn more—get to know her beyond the shop. There was a depth to her that I hadn’t fully tapped into yet, and it made me curious about her story. Maybe we could help each other navigate our struggles outside of work, building a friendship that extended beyond ink and needles.

She reached over, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “It is painful. But sometimes, the hardest thing is finding that balance. You have to remember that it’s okay to pursue your own happiness while still caring for your family. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you’re letting them down.”

I offered her a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Chivonn. It helps to hear that someone else has gone through something similar. Just knowing that I’m not alone in this struggle makes a difference.”

Chivonn returned my smile with one of her own, her expression warm and reassuring. “Anytime, Mae. We all have our battles, and sharing them can lighten the load. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s all anyone can ask for. Just remember to take care of yourself along the way.”

As the shop began to fill with clients and the day picked up its usual rhythm, I felt a renewed sense of relief. Despite the ongoing challenges and the clash ofcultures, having someone like Chivonn to talk to reminded me I wasn’t alone in my struggles. The small moments of connection and empathy helped bridge the gaps between my worlds, making the journey a little more bearable.

Just then, the bell above the door chimed, and I turned to see a familiar figure stepping inside. My heart sank as the creepy guy from the other day walked in, the one with that manically scribbled picture he had shown me. His presence felt unsettling, like a shadow creeping into the warmth of our little haven. I exchanged a quick glance with Chivonn, who raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing the tension in the air.

“Great,” I thought, bracing myself for another round of awkwardness. As he approached the counter, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach.

Before I could say anything, Jake emerged from the back room and stood behind me at the counter, his expression shifting to one of cautious curiosity. His presence was a silent show of support, a reminder that I wasn’t alone in this. I could almost feel his steady energy grounding me while I prepared to face the approaching figure.

“Can I help you?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. Jake’s presence behind me was reassuring, but I still felt the tension coiling in my stomach.

The creepy guy leaned closer, his eyes glinting with an intensity that made my skin crawl. “I need a tattoo,” he said, his voice low and almost conspiratorial. “But it has to be you, Mae. You’re the only one who can do it.”

I raised an eyebrow, taken aback. Why did he say my name with such a familiarity when I still didn’t know who he was or what his first name was?

“Why me?” I asked, my voice edged with skepticism. Maybe I was overthinking this. Perhaps he heard about me through word of mouth. I mean, we did offer our portfolio online through the Inklusive website.

He leaned in even closer, lowering his voice. Jake placed a hand on my shoulder and I tried to relax to no avail.

“I saw it in a dream. The design... it has to be on my back, and I just know you’re the artist meant for it. No one else can capture what I need.”

I exchanged a quick glance with Chivonn, who looked as uncomfortable as I felt. Jake's posture stiffened slightly, his protective instincts kicking in.

“That’s quite a claim,” I said, trying to maintain some distance. “We have other talented artists here at Inklusive Studios.”

He shook his head, frustration mingling with fervor. “No, you don’t understand. It has to be you. I felt it, Mae. You’re the only one who can bring this vision to life. That’s what the voice said.”

His gaze was unyielding, a mix of desperation and something darker that sent a shiver down my spine.

I swallowed hard, trying to process the intensity of his words. I could feel Jake’s presence behind me, a steady anchor in this strange encounter, and I realized I needed to handle this carefully before we had a situation that required the authorities to get involved.

“Look, man,” Jake interjected on my behalf, his voice calm but firm. “We’re booked for weeks, and honestly, this isn’t a simple design. It’s going to cost you a pretty penny.” He paused, a sly grin creeping onto his face. “How about, I don’t know, two thousand dollars?”

I realized Jake’s tactic, he was trying to get him to leave with the steep quote. I hoped it wor?—

The creepy guy’s eyes widened for a moment, but then he nodded without hesitation. “Fine. I’ll pay it.”

Jake’s grin faltered, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of disbelief and dread. “Wait, really?” Jake said, clearly taken aback. “You’re serious?”

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