**Diary Entry 12th March**
Emily lost her job interview to save an elderly man who collapsed on a crowded street in London! But when she walked into the office later, she nearly fainted at what she saw
Emily opened her purse, counting the few crumpled notes inside, and let out a heavy sigh. Money was running dangerously low, and finding decent work in London was harder than shed ever imagined. She mentally tallied her essentials, trying to calm her racing heart. The freezer held a pack of chicken thighs and a box of 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 from the corner shop.
Mum, where are you going? Little Sophie rushed out of her room, her big brown 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. But guess what? Aunt Lydia and her boy Oliver will be round soon to keep you company.
Olivers coming? Sophies face lit up, her hands clapping in excitement. Will they bring Biscuit?
Biscuit was Lydias tabby cata fluffy ball of affection Sophie adored. Lydia, their neighbour, had offered to watch Sophie while Emily went for an interview at a food distribution company in the city centre. Getting there meant a long journey, more 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 kicked herself for that impulsive decision: uprooting their lives, burning through most of her savings on rent and groceries, all on a gamble for quick work. 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 Norwich, her mum, Margaret, and younger sister, Claire, relied on her as the familys rock. They werent exactly managing well without her.
Biscuits staying home, sweetheart, Emily said gently. Doesnt much like car rides. But well pop round Aunt Lydias soon, and you can cuddle him all you like.
I want a cat too! Sophie pouted, folding her arms.
Emily shook her head with a soft laugh. Sophie always got like this when pets came up. Back in Norwich, at Grandma Margarets, theyd left Smudge, their sleek black cat, and a yappy little terrier named Poppy. Sophie played with them every visit, missing them terribly now.
Love, were renting this flat, Emily explained. The landlord doesnt allow pets.
Not even a goldfish? Sophies eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Not even a goldfish.
Right now, pets were the least of Emilys worries. Her mind was fixed on one thing: getting a job. The last of her savings were dwindling, 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 Emily from her thoughts. Lydia and her five-year-old, Oliver, stood at the door. Lydia, as usual, carried a tub of homemade chocolate chip biscuits and a slice of her mums famous lemon drizzle cake. Like Emily, Lydia was a single mum, though she lived with her parents in a cramped flat nearby. Saving up for her own place in London felt like trying to win the lottery.
*Lesson learned today: Pride wont feed us. Sometimes, swallowing it and leaning on others is the only way forward.*
