Valerie missed her job interview to save an elderly man who collapsed on a busy London street! But when she finally walked into the office, she nearly fainted at what she saw
Valerie rummaged through her purse, counting the few crumpled banknotes 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 tallied her essentials, trying to steady her racing heart. The freezer held a pack of chicken thighs and some frozen veggie 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 dashed out of her room, her big brown eyes searching Valeries face with worry.
Dont fret, love, said Valerie, forcing a smile to mask her nerves. Mums just off to a job interview. But guess what? Auntie Lucy and her boy Oliver are coming round to keep you company.
Olivers coming? Sophies face lit up, her hands clapping with excitement. Will they bring Biscuit?
Biscuit was Lucys ginger tabby, a fluffy ball of affection Sophie adored. Lucy, their neighbour, had offered to watch Sophie while Valerie headed to a job interview at a food distribution company in the city centre. Getting there meant a slogmore time on buses and the Tube than the interview would last.
It had been over two months since Valerie and Sophie moved to the capital. Valerie kicked herself for that impulsive decisionuprooting their lives, burning through most of her savings on rent and groceries, all banking 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 quaint hometown of Brighton, her mum, Margaret, and younger sister, Claire, relied on her as the family rock. They werent exactly brilliant at coping without her.
Biscuits staying home, love, Valerie said gently. Hes not fond of car rides. But well pop round Auntie Lucys soon, and you can cuddle him silly.
I want a cat too! Sophie pouted, crossing her arms.
Valerie shook her head with a soft laugh. Sophie always got like this when pets were mentioned. Back in Brighton, at Grandma Margarets, theyd left Midnight, their sleek black cat, and a yappy little terrier named Peanut. Sophie played with them every visit and missed them terribly.
Love, were renting this flat, Valerie explained. The landlord doesnt allow pets.
Not even a goldfish? Sophies eyebrows shot up in disbelief.
Not even a goldfish.
Right now, pets were the least of Valeries worries. Her mind was laser-focused on one thing: getting a job. The last of her savings was dwindling, and each day brought a fresh wave of panic. At least shed paid six months rent upfrontthough that had nearly cleaned her out.
The doorbell chimed, snapping Valerie out of her thoughts. Lucy and her five-year-old, Oliver, stood on the doorstep. Lucy, as usual, carried a Tupperware of homemade chocolate digestives and a slice of her mums famous lemon drizzle cake. Like Valerie, Lucy was a single mum, but she lived with her parents in a cramped flat nearby. Saving up for her own place in London felt like betting on a lottery win.
