
Tierney sat in her car, heart racing as the heat of Obion County relentless sun bore down on her. She was waiting for a tow truck, her mind swirling with frustration over yet another car issue. It felt like every month brought a new challenge, but she was determined to hold out just a little longer—one year of saving had finally brought her within reach of a new car. As she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, she was relieved when the tow truck finally arrived. Just as the driver secured her car, her Lyft pulled up, a small victory in her day.
The sweltering heat of summer had everyone in the city longing for cooler days, and Tierney was no exception. She arrived at work late, her role as a Quality Provider (QP) weighing heavily on her. For seven years, she had navigated the complexities of her job, but today was different. As she stepped into her office, her supervisor’s presence loomed—she knew what was coming.
“Tierney, I need to talk to you,” her supervisor began, the usual fake pleasantries quickly dismissed. They discussed her recent car troubles, and then her supervisor laid it out: there was a critical issue at a local group home that needed her expertise. Tierney agreed, knowing this was her chance to showcase her skills once more.
Arriving at the group home, she was greeted by her friend Deona, who was already there. Their laughter filled the air, but the gravity of their task soon settled in. Together, they sifted through the disorganized documents, uncovering discrepancies that could jeopardize the home’s operations. The day was long, but their teamwork made it manageable. After wrapping up, they celebrated with dinner and drinks, a much-needed reprieve from the chaos.
Fast forward seven months, and life had transformed for Tierney. She had finally purchased her dream car outright, a testament to her determination to live frugally until she could afford it. The fall air was crisp, and she reveled in the change of seasons as she drove to work, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over her.
However, as she settled in at her desk, a familiar sight caught her eye—two state workers she recognized, focused on their own cases. She shrugged it off and turned to her work, only to be interrupted by her office phone ringing.
“Hey Tierney, can you step into my office for a minute?” her supervisor’s voice crackled through the line.
“Sure, I’m on my way,” Tierney replied, a knot of curiosity tightening in her stomach.
That evening, after what felt like an eternity in her supervisor’s office, she called Deona, eager to share the news. They agreed to meet at Sauce Boss, a local barbecue joint known for its lively old school R&B atmosphere.
Once there, over drinks and mouthwatering food, Tierney couldn’t contain her excitement. “Gurrrl, I got a huge promotion!” she exclaimed, her heart racing with joy.
“Chiiiiiile, what???” Deona’s face lit up with anticipation.
“Director of Patient Advocacy and Care Coordination,” Tierney declared, her smile wide enough to light up the room.
Deona erupted in cheers, their celebration a whirlwind of laughter and dancing, a fitting tribute to Tierney’s hard work and perseverance. The night faded into early morning, leaving Tierney to reflect on her journey.
Waking up with a sense of contentment, she treated herself to some online shopping, a small reward for her dedication. Grateful for the struggles that had led her here, Tierney embraced the unexpected blessings that had come her way, ready for whatever the future held.


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