Emily lost her job interview to save an elderly man who collapsed on a busy street in London! But when she stepped into the office, she nearly fainted at what she saw
Emily opened her purse, counted 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 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 Lucy dashed out of her room, her big hazel 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 Claire and her boy Oliver are coming over to keep you company.
Olivers coming? Lucys face lit up, her hands clapping in excitement. Will they bring Whiskers?
Whiskers was Claires tabby cat, a fluffy ball of affection Lucy adored. Claire, their neighbour, had offered to look after Lucy while Emily headed to a job interview in the city centre at a food distribution firm. Getting to the office in London meant a long commutemore time on buses and tubes than the interview itself would take.
It had been over two months since Emily and Lucy had moved to the capital. Emily kicked herself for that impulsive decisionuprooting their lives with a young daughter, spending most of her savings on rent and groceries, all betting on finding work quickly. But Londons job market was brutal. Despite her two degrees and relentless determination, landing a steady position felt like chasing a mirage. Back in her hometown of Bristol, her mum, Margaret, and younger sister, Alice, relied on her as the familys rock. They werent exactly brilliant at managing without her.
Whiskers will stay at home, love, Emily said gently. Hes not fond of car rides. But well visit Auntie Claire soon, and you can cuddle him all you like.
I want a cat too! Lucy pouted, crossing her arms.
Emily shook her head with a soft laugh. Lucy 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 Biscuit. Lucy played with them on every visit and missed them terribly now.
Sweetheart, were renting this flat, Emily explained. The landlord doesnt allow pets.
Not even a goldfish? Lucy asked, eyebrows raised in surprise.
Not even a goldfish.
Right now, pets were the least of Emilys worries. Her mind was fixed on one thing: finding a job. The last of her savings was dwindling, and each day brought fresh anxiety. At least shed paid six months rent upfront, but that had nearly cleaned her out.
The doorbell rang, snapping Emily from her thoughts. Claire and her five-year-old, Oliver, stood at the door. Claire, as usual, carried a Tupperware of homemade chocolate chip cookies and a slice of her mums famous lemon drizzle cake. Like Emily, Claire 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 trying to win the lottery.
