Sophie missed her job interview to save an elderly man who collapsed on a busy street in London! But when she walked into the office, she nearly fainted at what she saw
Sophie opened her purse, counted the few crumpled banknotes inside, and let out a heavy sigh. Money was running dangerously low, and finding decent work in London was proving harder than shed ever imagined. She mentally ran 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 Emily dashed out of her room, her big hazel eyes searching Sophies face with worry.
Dont fret, love, Sophie said, forcing a smile to hide her nerves. Mums just off to a job interview. But guess what? Auntie Harriet and her boy William will be round soon to keep you company.
Williams coming? Emilys face lit up, her hands clapping with excitement. Will they bring Pudding?
Pudding was Harriets tabby cat, a fluffy ball of affection Emily adored. Harriet, their neighbour, had offered to look after Emily while Sophie headed into central London for an interview at a food distribution company. Getting to the office meant a long journeymore time on buses and tubes than the interview itself would take.
It had been over two months since Sophie and Emily moved to the capital. Sophie kicked herself for that impulsive decisionuprooting their lives, spending most of her savings on rent and groceries, all on a gamble to land work quickly. But Londons job market was brutal. Despite her two degrees and relentless drive, finding steady work felt like chasing a mirage. Back in their hometown of Bristol, her mum, Margaret, and younger sister, Lucy, relied on her as the family rock. They werent exactly faring well without her.
Puddings staying home, love, Sophie said gently. Hes not keen on car rides. But well visit Auntie Harriets soon, and you can cuddle him all you like.
I want a cat too! Emily pouted, folding her arms.
Sophie shook her head with a soft laugh. Emily always got like this when pets came up. Back in Bristol, at Grandma Margarets, theyd left behind Midnight, their sleek black cat, and a yappy little terrier named Biscuit. Emily played with them every visit and missed them terribly.
Love, were renting this flat, Sophie explained. The landlord doesnt allow pets.
Not even a goldfish? Emily asked, eyebrows raised in disbelief.
Not even a goldfish.
Right now, pets were the least of Sophies worries. Her mind was fixed on one thingfinding work. The last of her savings were 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 Sophie from her thoughts. Harriet and her five-year-old, William, stood at the door. Harriet, as usual, carried a Tupperware of homemade chocolate chip cookies and a slice of her mums famous lemon drizzle cake. Like Sophie, Harriet was a single mum, but she lived with her parents in a cramped flat nearby. Saving up for her own place in London was like betting on a lottery win.
