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Annie’s Way

I wrapped my hands around my coffee mug and sank into my sofa, trying to let the stress of dealing with my mountain of troubles seep out of me. Instead, my eyes landed on my fingernails. They were ugly and ragged.

As ragged as my spirit was these days. My long-awaited retirement wasn’t working out the way I had planned. A series of medical crises had left me dependent on prescription opioids and deep in debt. Though I’d finally conquered the addiction, I remained buried in debt—and shame. I’d never felt so hopeless.

Maybe a manicure would give me a little lift, make my day better. I hadn’t been treating myself to anything lately, but it was one indulgence I could still afford, even on my strict budget. I didn’t want to run into anyone I knew and have them ask how I was doing, so I made an appointment at

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