**Diary Entry**
Ill never forget the day Emily missed her job interview to help an elderly man who collapsed on a busy London street. But when she finally stepped into the office, what she saw nearly made her faint
Emily opened her purse, counted the few crumpled notes inside, and let out a heavy sigh. The money was running dangerously low, and finding decent work in London was proving far harder than shed ever imagined. She mentally tallied her grocery list, trying to calm her racing heart. The freezer had a pack of chicken thighs and some frozen sausages. The cupboard held rice, pasta, and a box of teabags. For now, she could manage with just a pint of milk and a loaf of bread from the corner shop.
Mum, where are you going? Little Sophie dashed from her room, her wide hazel eyes searching Emilys face with worry.
Dont fret, love, Emily said, forcing a smile to mask her nerves. Mums just off to a job interview. Guess what? Auntie Lucy and her boy Oliver are coming round to keep you company.
Olivers coming? Sophies face lit up, her hands clapping in excitement. Will they bring Biscuit?
Biscuit was Lucys tabby cata fluffy ball of affection Sophie adored. Lucy, their neighbour, had offered to watch Sophie while Emily headed to an interview at a food distribution company in the city centre. Getting there meant a long slogmore time on buses and the Tube than the interview itself would last.
It had been over two months since Emily and Sophie moved to London. Emily cursed her impulsive decisionuprooting their lives, burning through most of her savings on rent and groceries, all on a gamble for steady work. But Londons job market was brutal. Despite her two degrees and relentless drive, landing a stable position felt like chasing a mirage. Back in their small hometown of Bristol, her mother, Margaret, and younger sister, Alice, relied on her as the familys rock. They werent exactly managing well without her.
Biscuits staying home, love, Emily said gently. Hes not keen on car rides. But well visit Auntie Lucys soon, and you can cuddle him all you like.
I want a cat too! Sophie pouted, crossing her arms.
Emily shook her head with a soft laugh. Sophie always got like this when pets came up. Back in Bristol, at Grandma Margarets, theyd left behind Smudge, their sleek black cat, and a yappy little terrier named Buster. Sophie missed them terribly.
Love, were renting this flat, Emily explained. The landlord doesnt allow pets.
Not even a goldfish? Sophie gasped, eyebrows shooting up.
Not even a goldfish.
Right then, pets were the least of Emilys worries. Her mind was fixed on one thingfinding a job. The last of her savings was dwindling, and each day brought fresh anxiety. At least shed paid six months rent upfront, but it had nearly cleaned her out.
The doorbell rang, snapping Emily from her thoughts. Lucy and her five-year-old, Oliver, stood at the door. Lucy, ever the lifesaver, carried a Tupperware of homemade shortbread and a slice of her mums famous Victoria sponge. Like Emily, Lucy was a single mum, though she lived with her parents in a cramped flat nearby. Saving for her own place in London? Might as well wish for the moon.
**Lesson learned:** Pride wont put bread on the table. Sometimes, swallowing it and accepting help is the only way forward.
