Chapter 131 Enzo’s bar

The Sicilian sun hung low in the sky as Mariama trudged along the winding streets of Cefalù. Her feet ached, and her spirit sagged with each rejection she'd faced throughout the day. Every shop, restaurant, and business she'd approached had turned her away, some politely, others with barely concealed disdain. "I'm sorry, we don't have any openings," a shopkeeper had said, averting his eyes. "We only hire locals," another had told her bluntly. As twilight descended on the town, Mariama found herself in a less savory part of Cefalù. The streets here were narrower, the buildings more dilapidated. She was about to turn back when a flickering neon sign caught her eye: "Enzo's Bar." Desperation overrode her hesitation. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. The bar was dimly lit, a haze of cigarette smoke hanging in the air. A few patrons, rough-looking men, glanced up as she entered, their eyes lingering uncomfortably. Mariama steeled herself an