Charlotte missed her job interview to save an elderly man who collapsed on a bustling street in Manchester! But when she stepped into the office, she nearly fainted at what she saw
Charlotte opened her purse, counted the few crumpled banknotes inside, and let out a heavy sigh. The money was running dangerously low, and finding a decent job in Manchester was proving harder than shed ever imagined. She mentally tallied her list of essentials, trying to calm her racing heart. The freezer held a packet of chicken thighs and some frozen mince. The cupboard had rice, pasta, and a box of tea bags. For now, she could manage with just a pint of milk and a loaf from the corner shop.
Mum, where are you going? Little Evie dashed from her room, her big hazel eyes searching Charlottes face with worry.
Dont fret, love, said Charlotte, forcing a smile to mask her nerves. Mums just off to find work. But guess what? Auntie Lydia and her boy Oliver will be round soon to keep you company.
Olivers coming? Evies face brightened, her hands clapping in excitement. Will they bring Biscuit?
Biscuit was Lydias tabby cat, a fluffy ball of affection Evie adored. Lydia, their neighbour, had offered to look after Evie while Charlotte attended a job interview in the city centre at a food distribution company. Getting to the office in Manchester meant a long journeyfar more time on buses and trains than the interview itself would take.
It had been over two months since Charlotte and Evie had moved to the city. Charlotte cursed herself for that impulsive decision: uprooting their lives with a young child, spending most of her savings on rent and groceries, all banking on finding work quickly. But Manchesters job market was brutal. Despite her two university degrees and relentless determination, securing a stable position felt like chasing a mirage. Back in her hometown of Nottingham, her mother, Margaret, and younger sister, Lucy, relied on her as the familys rock. They werent exactly good at managing without her.
Biscuits staying home, love, Charlotte said softly. Doesnt much like car rides. But well visit Auntie Lydias soon, and you can cuddle him all you like.
I want a cat too! Evie pouted, crossing her arms.
Charlotte shook her head with a quiet chuckle. Evie always got like this when pets were mentioned. Back in Nottingham, at Grandma Margarets, theyd left behind Shadow, their sleek black cat, and a yappy little terrier named Pip. Evie played with them whenever they visited, and now she missed them terribly.
Sweetheart, were renting this flat, Charlotte explained. The landlord doesnt allow pets.
Not even a goldfish? Evie gasped, eyebrows raised.
Not even a goldfish.
Right now, pets were the least of Charlottes worries. Her mind was fixed on one thing: finding work. The last of her savings was dwindling, and each day brought a fresh wave of dread. At least shed paid six months rent upfrontthough that had left her near penniless.
The doorbell rang, snapping Charlotte from her thoughts. Lydia and her five-year-old, Oliver, stood on the doorstep. As usual, Lydia carried a Tupperware of homemade flapjacks and a slice of her mums famous lemon drizzle cake. Like Charlotte, Lydia was a single mother, but she lived with her parents in a cramped flat nearby. Saving for a place of her own in Manchester felt like trying to win the lottery.
