From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

On the truck.

Carole glanced over at Anthea, saying softly. “We’ve been neighbors for years, always running into each other. I think you were a bit harsh just now…”

“What’s so bad about it?” Nanson chimed in while maneuvering the steering wheel “You really want to play nice with someone like Beulah? She’s nothing but a backstabber. I’ve been wanting to give her a piece of my mind! Carole, you’re just too soft! If it wasn’t for that, back in the day…”

At that point, Nanson seemed to realize something and quickly changed the subject. “Oh hey Ann, we’re taking a left at the next intersection, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right,” Anthea nodded.

Before long, they arrived at the entrance to their apartment complex.

Moving from a dingy basement to a sunny three–bedroom apartment was a bit of a transition for Carole. She marveled at the brand–new furniture, “Ann, the rent here must be steep, huh?”

“It’s not too bad, really. Anyway, let me show you around. This is the dining room, over there is the living room, and here’s the kitchen…”

“Ann, which room am I staying in?” Nanson’s voice echoed from inside.

“Pick any room you like,” Anthea replied.

Nanson chose the second bedroom, “I’ll take this one then.”

Anthea continued, “If you take the second bedroom, Mom, you should have the master bedroom.”

“No, Ann, you’d better take the master bedroom.” Carole protested.

Anthea carried Carole’s suitcase into the master bedroom, “Just do as I said, or I’ll be upset!”

“Well, then,” Carole chuckled, shaking her head in resignation before adding. “What do you fancy for lunch? I’ll cook.”

Carole’s condition was improving day by day. She was particularly spry save for some morning fatigue.

“I love anything you make,” Anthea said with a smile.

They had picked up some groceries on the way, and the kitchen was well stocked, making cooking a breeze.

Anthea retreated to her room, booted up her laptop, donned her headphones, and logged onto GlobalGigaNet to work on her CIS research project.

Back in her world, she could have cracked this CIS case in under three hours.

But here, lacking many resources and despite the simplicity of the task for Anthea, it would still take a couple of days.

The Al technology here was rather primitive. Many processes had to be done manually.

After completing half of the design and inputting some code. Carole called out from beyond the door. “Ann, lunch is ready.”

“Be right there.” Anthea replied, saving her work before heading to the living room.

To celebrate the move, Carole had not only prepared steak but also simmered a nutritiousContent (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

soup.

After lunch, Anthea returned to her room to continue working on the designs.

In the evening. Anthea went to work at the rotisserie.

Karen was there again. Upon seeing Anthea, she greeted her enthusiastically. “Annie!”

“Mrs. Christensen, good to see you,” Anthea said with a smile, taking Karen’s hand.

Karen glanced at Anthea.

There was no hint of discomfort in Anthea’s eyes. This young girl truly didn’t mind the company of an old beggar like her.

“I’ve been waiting for you for so long. Annie! Without you here, they wouldn’t let me have a seat!” said Karen.

Anthea led Karen to a quiet seat in the corner. “You must be starving after waiting for so long. What would you like to eat? I’ll get it for you.”

Karen patted her stomach, saying, “I am indeed. Annie. Could I have some lobster and shrimp?”