Late Evening:

A youthful female of Filipino descent at the ripe age of eighteen years old traversed down a downtrodden road to her humble abode located on the Philippines' border with Vietnam. Her short amber color hair slightly ruffles due to a wind upsurge, the sudden change making the woman shiver as she forgot to bring a coat after rain dampened the mainland earlier that morning. A pair of blue jeans did warm her rather lithe legs while a white short sleeve shirt that did little to cover her ample chest served as her torso clothing.

Her name was Josie Rizal.

Life for teenage Josie has been anything but pleasant the past few years as she was forced to grow and mature a lot quicker than most girls her age. Her family wasn't always financially stable due to various instances, forcing Josie to step into the role of provider. The task put on her shoulders did become overbearing at times, but she did as best she could to ease monetary constraints within the household, doing so by juggling two jobs.

One as a kickboxer, the other as a local model.

So far, neither occupation has netted any major positives, Josie barely squeaking by to help pay the rent and maybe a few trinkets for herself here and there. Compared to other girls her age, Josie's figured rivaled that of a woman in their mid-thirties, an hourglass physique toned through constant training in the Kickboxing style named Eskrima. Her morning regime consists of a rigorous jog on the mountain trail close to her home before conducting core work, strengthening each muscle for nearly an hour a day. The result, Josie was hailed as the most beautiful girl in her small town.

Though she enjoyed both forms of employment, Josie realized just making ends meet wasn't going to save their home, ran down as it now stood. With every new day came mail notifying her family of overdue bills and eviction notices. The constant haggling made everyone in the household fear going into town knowing the collectors were waiting for them. Josie couldn't help but feel like a failure.

Her worn out steps finally reached the front door. Josie softly opened it, all three hinges creaking unceremoniously as she stepped inside, tiredly hooking her purse on the key rack, her demeanor unlike its usual vibrant self.

"Josie? Josie dear?"

In the kitchen seated at the dinner table was a woman in her mid-forties. It was Josie's mother, Rosa. The two women are very close to one another even as Josie has grown into the next phase in her life. A soft smile graced the older woman's face at the sight of her only child. She carefully got up and greeted Josie in a warm embrace, which was gratefully returned.

"How was work at the restaurant?" Rosa asked after releasing the hug.

Upon closer inspection, Rosa saw her daughter's weary eyes full of uncertainty and concern wander away from her own, not surprising though since the dilemma facing them was daunting at best, if not dire.

"It... it was all right," Josie answered after a long stretch of silence, gradually making her way towards the refrigerator, barren like the rest of their house, only a few apples, a jar of jelly and a milk carton inside. She picked an apple for a small snack. "Usual customers coming in for their lunch breaks before the pace picked up later in the day."

Josie took a long-winded sigh, taking a seat at the table with her mother. "I'm worried, Mama. They're cutting my checks every pay period due to the country's economy. My supervisor told me that they..."

She paused, afraid to even finish the sentence as sadness instantly overcame Josie. The motherly instincts of Rosa kicked in as she tenderly grasps her daughter's hand. Both locked eyes, no words said between either woman with Josie on the verge of tears.

"There, there," the older woman soothed her child. "You're doing the best you can, Josie. Never will I or your father fault you for putting forth your best effort."

Her daughter sniffled as the tears slowly trickled down, the family matriarch taking a napkin to wipe them away. Rosa clearly understood the burden placed upon Josie the moment their expenses began piling up. It was only a matter of time before stress overtook Josie completely. Not even her Kickboxing training could relax her weary mind.

"I might have something to brighten your spirits," Rosa told her.

Josie's spirit perked at the announcement. "Really?"

Showing a gentle smile, Rosa rose out of her seat and walked over to the counter where today's stack of mail sat, the familiar red print of overdue payments etched on a few parcels along with coupon cutouts as well. Within the pile laid an orange envelop addressed directly to Josie, a somewhat official seal attached at the opening.

"This came in for you," Rosa explained. "I believe it could be an answer to our prayers."

She handed Josie the letter and backed away. Confusion was all over the young girl's face as she carefully pulled the sticker off, a beige tinged paper neatly folded in three sections. Josie's heart raced in anticipation at what was in store for her. As her hands unfurled the note, all the color in Josie's face drained away as her eyes frantically scanned every word.

Greetings Josie Rizal,

After careful consideration, we are pleased to inform you of your invitation to our upcoming Photoshoot here in the United States where you'll join twelve other models at various locations in preparation for the next Calendar issue. The session takes place in two months, allowing yourself adequate time to pack necessities. All expenses including travel and lodging are excluded. Down below on this invitation is your decision whether you wish to attend.

We look forward to seeing you here!

Sincerely, Heather

Sports Illustrated

For almost two minutes, Josie didn't say anything, let alone move a muscle after reading the entire letter. Off to the side, Rose stood with a genuine smile. She knew there was no doubt her daughter's patience had paid off, a chance at real stardom.

"I... I... I can't believe it!" Josie exclaimed.

Rosa hugged Josie from behind, kissing her on the cheek at the splendid news. "I am so proud of you, my dear."

"But I don't know if I should go," Josie worried aloud.

"Why not?" her mother questioned.

"You'll be left here alone with Daddy! The bills won't stop coming either!" Josie pointed out. "I can't just up and leave you both!"

The older woman merely waved a dismissive hand. "Josie, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to live out your dreams. You never stopped talking about becoming a model, just like your great Aunt was back in her day, God rest her soul. Isn't that what you've always wanted?"

She wasn't wrong. Josie dreamed every day and night for the chance to be a world-famous model, traveling the globe to all scenic destinations and attempt to create a better life for her family and herself. Yet, discouragement from other women within the town made Josie hide in her proverbial shell. They chastised her for not staying at home and trying to look for a man who will carry the brunt of the load. Josie kept telling them that she was fine and didn't need a man, especially while caring for her ailing family. Their welfare meant more than satisfying some random guy.

Unsure, Josie hesitantly replied, "It is, but I-"

"Josie," Rosa's soft voice rang in her ears. "Not many favorable circumstances like this present themselves every day. Like I've taught you since the days of your youth. Never take for granted the opportunities given to you. Tomorrow is never promised to any of us, including you." She took both of Josie's hands in her own. "You've blessed us since the day of your birth. Now is the time for your gift to shine."

Her dormant confidence rising, Josie beamed from ear to ear, joy radiating through her entire body. "All right, I'll do it!" She tightly embraced Rosa. "Thank you, mother!"