Emily missed her job interview to save an old man who collapsed on a busy street in London! But when she walked into the office, she nearly fainted at what she saw
Emily opened her purse, counted the few crumpled notes inside, and let out a heavy sigh. Money was running dangerously low, and finding a decent job in London was proving harder than shed ever imagined. She mentally ticked through her list of essentials, trying to steady her racing heart. The freezer held a pack 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 Sophie darted out of her room, her big brown eyes searching Emilys face with worry.
Dont fret, love, Emily said, forcing a smile to hide her nerves. Mums just off to a job interview. But guess what? Auntie Lily 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 Lilys tabby cat, a fluffy ball of affection that Sophie adored. Lily, their neighbour, had offered to watch Sophie while Emily headed to a job interview in the city centre at a food distribution company. Getting to the office in London meant a long journeymore time on buses and trains than the interview itself would take.
It had been over two months since Emily and Sophie moved to the capital. Emily kicked herself for that impulsive decisionuprooting their lives with a young daughter, burning through most of her savings on rent and groceries, all betting on landing a job quickly. But Londons job market was brutal. Despite her two degrees and relentless determination, finding steady work felt like chasing a mirage. Back in her hometown of Bristol, her mum, Margaret, and younger sister, Alice, relied on her as the family rock. They werent exactly brilliant at managing without her.
Biscuits staying home, love, Emily said gently. She doesnt much like car rides. But well visit Auntie Lilys soon, and you can cuddle her all you want.
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 were mentioned. Back in Bristol, at Grandma Margarets house, theyd left behind Midnight, their sleek black cat, and a yappy little terrier named Peanut. Sophie played with them whenever they visited, and now she missed them terribly.
Love, were renting this flat, Emily explained. The landlord doesnt allow pets.
Not even a goldfish? Sophie asked, eyebrows raised in disbelief.
Not even a goldfish.
Right now, pets were the least of Emilys worries. Her mind was fixed on one thinggetting a job. The last of her savings were dwindling, and each day brought a fresh wave of anxiety. At least shed paid six months rent upfront, but that had nearly cleaned her out.
The doorbell rang, snapping Emily out of her thoughts. Lily and her five-year-old, Oliver, stood at the door. Lily, as usual, carried a Tupperware box of homemade chocolate chip biscuits and a slice of her mums famous lemon drizzle cake. Like Emily, Lily was a single mum, but she lived with her parents in a cramped flat nearby. Saving up for a place of her own in London felt like trying to win the lottery.
