Victoria missed her job interview to save an elderly man collapsing on a busy street in London! But when she finally stepped into the office, she nearly fainted at what she saw
Victoria 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 proved harder than shed ever imagined. She mentally ticked through her list of essentials, trying to steady her racing heart. The freezer held a packet of chicken thighs and some frozen burgers. 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 of bread from the corner shop.
Mum, where are you going? Little Poppy dashed out of her room, her big hazel eyes searching Victorias face with worry.
Dont fret, love, said Victoria, forcing a smile to hide her nerves. Mums just off to a job interview. But guess what? Auntie Daisy and her boy Alfie will pop round soon to keep you company.
Alfies coming? Poppys face lit up, her hands clapping with excitement. Will they bring Biscuit?
Biscuit was Daisys tabby cat, a fluffy ball of affection that Poppy adored. Daisy, their neighbour, had offered to look after Poppy while Victoria travelled into central London for an interview at a food distribution company. Getting there meant a long journeymore time spent on buses and tubes than the interview would last.
It had been over two months since Victoria and Poppy moved to the capital. Victoria cursed herself for that impulsive decisionuprooting their lives, spending most of her savings on rent and groceries, all on a gamble that work would come quickly. But Londons job market was brutal. Despite her two degrees and relentless drive, landing steady work felt like chasing a mirage. Back in her sleepy hometown of Brighton, her mum, Margaret, and younger sister, Lily, still leaned on her as the familys backbone. They werent exactly managing well without her.
Biscuits staying home, love, Victoria said gently. She doesnt fancy long rides. But well visit Auntie Daisys soon, and you can cuddle her all you like.
I want a cat too! Poppy pouted, crossing her arms.
Victoria shook her head with a soft laugh. Poppy always got like this when pets came up. Back in Brighton, at Grandma Margarets, theyd left behind Smudge, their sleek black cat, and a yappy little terrier named Peanut. Poppy played with them every visit, and now she missed them terribly.
Love, were renting this flat, Victoria explained. The landlord doesnt allow pets.
Not even a goldfish? Poppys eyebrows shot up.
Not even a goldfish.
Right now, pets were the least of Victorias worries. Her mind was fixed on one thing: finding work. The last of her savings was draining away, and each day brought a fresh wave of dread. At least shed paid six months rent upfront, but that had nearly cleaned her out.
The doorbell rang, snapping Victoria from her thoughts. Daisy and her five-year-old, Alfie, stood at the door. Daisy, as usual, carried a Tupperware of homemade chocolate chip biscuits and a slice of her mums famous lemon drizzle cake. Like Victoria, Daisy was a single mum, though she still lived with her parents in a cramped flat nearby. Saving for a place of her own in London felt like trying to win the lottery.
