I was sixteen and beaming

at the sight of my bright

red shirt and black pants.

My mama and I had picked up

my new uniform from Hawkinsville.

I’ll always remember that day,

how proud Mama was

as I gently placed the uniform

in the back seat.

All of the papers were signed and dated;

I’d report for duty the next week.

I had already picked out

the car that I wanted,

despite not having a cent to name.

I was the only one of my eight cousins

who couldn’t drive,

but that would change

by the end of the summer.

My uniform slipped out

of its clear wrapping

and onto my unmade bed,

savoring the smell of brand new linen.

It was just my size!

Still, I had to try it on.

My mama gave it a final look,

in case it needed  a fix.

“So, how are you getting to work?” she asked.

“But I… I thought you—”

“I never told you that.”

I tried to suppress the lump in my throat,

but I could feel the tears forming.

“This job might not be

a good idea after all.”

Silence filled the air and consumed

the last bit of  hope that lingered.

I stuffed the clothes back into

the crumpled package

and called my manager.

I’m sure that she thought

I was lying about my ride.

Then again, I wouldn’t

even have believed me.

McDonald’s was only a

15 minute drive, after all.