Poor Girl Can’t Afford Dream Dress — Story of the Day

Athena’s quest for a luxurious dress to elevate her status leads to a harsh lesson in values when her mother’s health crisis and an encounter with a mysterious and handsome stranger force her to choose between vanity and family.

Athena stood outside a boutique, her eyes fixed on the expensive clothes on display. She was dressed simply but wanted to feel special. She saw a pretty dress in the window and decided to go in.

The shop was lovely inside, but Athena felt a bit out of place. Paula, the saleswoman, gave her a cold look. “Can I help you?” she asked, not sounding very friendly.

“I’d like to try that dress,” Athena pointed to a golden dress, trying to sound confident.

Paula looked surprised. “Do you know it’s worth $5,000?”

Athena’s heart dropped, but she pretended to be okay. “I’ve been saving up,” she said, even though it wasn’t true.

Paula let out a sigh but handed her the dress. It looked amazing on Athena, and she felt great. But Paula said, “That dress isn’t for you,” making Athena feel small.

Naturally, Athena didn’t appreciate Paula’s comment and demanded to see the manager, stunned by the treatment. “Now!” she said.

Paula’s eyes widened, realizing she might have gone too far, but she went to get the manager. People in the shop started whispering, watching the drama. A man in the corner was watching, too, but he didn’t say anything.

Soon, Paula came back with Frank, the manager. He seemed nicer than Paula.

“How can I help with the dress issue, miss?” he asked Athena.

“I came here to buy a dress. I was dismissed and judged unfairly by your staff,” Athena said, nodding slightly towards Paula. “I will return tomorrow with the payment.”

“Frank, if she actually returns with enough to afford that dress, I will quit,” Paula said firmly. “I made a judgment based on years of experience. This is absurd.”

Frank made up his mind. “If Athena has the money, we admit we were wrong.”

Athena felt bad about compelling Paula to put her job on the line, but she was also determined to prove the woman wrong....