Emily's POV
The continuous beeping of my alarm clock shattered what little sleep I'd managed to get. My prayer from the night before still echoed faintly in my mind, but as dawn came, reality rushed in like a tidal wave. Bills.
With a heavy sigh, I dragged myself out of bed. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cold floor shocking my bare feet.
The wooden framed mirror hanging on the wall caught my reflection, tangled honey-blonde hair, and eyes rimmed with dark circles. The sight of myself felt like a stranger staring back.
"Mommy?" Lily's small, hesitant voice cut through my thoughts.
Just like that, I straightened my shoulders and plastered on a smile, trying to shake out the exhaustion.
"Coming, sweetheart!"
I made my way to Lily's room. Her room was warm and cozy despite the peeling wallpaper and faded rug. Lily sat cross-legged on her bed, her curls messy and tangled. She looked so much like her father, it made my heart ache.
"Is Grandma okay?" she asked, her voice hushed.
I knelt down beside her, brushing a curl from her face. "She's just resting," I said, keeping my voice steady. "Don't worry about Grandma. How about you? Did you sleep well?"
She nodded, but her little fingers tugged at Mr. Hops' ear. "She called me Sarah again yesterday." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I think she forgot who I was."
My chest tightened. "Grandma has bad days, that's all. But she loves you so much. And so do I." I kissed her forehead and offered a conspiratorial grin.
"Now, your mission today is to make sure Mommy doesn't burn breakfast. Think you can handle that?"
She giggled, her worry momentarily replaced with a smile.
---
By the time we reached the bus stop, the morning chill had bitten through my thin coat. I knelt to adjust Lily's too-small scarf, trying to hide the worn out ends from her sharp eyes.
"Mommy, look." Lily's voice was barely above a whisper as she lifted her foot.
There it was, a hole in the sole of her shoe, the edges frayed and worn, her little sock peeking through.
"Oh, honey..." I started, my throat tightening.
"It's okay, Mommy," she said quickly, lowering her foot as if ashamed she'd even mentioned it. "It doesn't hurt much. Only when I step on rocks."
The guilt crashed over me. How long had she been walking around like this? How long had she hidden it from me, not wanting to add to my burdens?
I cupped her face in my hands, forcing myself to meet her worried eyes. "Don't you worry about a thing, sweetheart. I'll get you a new pair, okay? I promise."
"But Mommy, the bills…"
"No buts," I interrupted gently, kissing her forehead. "You let me worry about that. Deal?"
She nodded, but the concern didn't leave her eyes. She was too young to carry these worries.
The bus pulled up with a loud hiss of brakes.
"Bye, Mommy! I love you!" she called, waving as she climbed onto the bus.
"I love you too, sweetie!" I called back, waving until the bus disappeared around the corner. My smile faded the moment she was gone.
I looked down at the pavement, blinking back tears. A new pair of shoes. I'd have to find a way, somehow. I always did.
---
Back home, I threw myself into my morning routines. Mom was awake but disoriented, staring at the television absentmindedly.
"Hey Mom, how are you feeling this morning?" I asked as I hugged her gently, whispering reassurances I didn't believe myself.
After settling her with breakfast and her morning pills, I rushed to get ready. I quickly changed into my scrubs, the fabric worn thin from too many washes.
As I rushed out the door, already late for my shift, I nearly tripped over a pile of mail I'd been avoiding. Bills, more bills, and... wait. What's this?
A thick, cream-colored envelope stood out among the white ones screaming "PAST DUE" in angry red letters. It carried no return address, just my name in elegant, handwritten script.
Curious, I tore it open, my hands trembling as I read the letter.
Dear Ms. Greene,
I represent a client who wishes to remain anonymous at this time. We have a unique employment opportunity for a caregiver position that we believe you are perfectly suited for. The position offers a salary that would more than cover your current financial obligations and secure your daughter's future.
If you are interested in learning more, please come to the address below on Wednesday at 2 PM sharp. Discretion is of utmosti mportance.
Yours sincerely,
Charles Bennett, Esq.
I read it again. Then a third time. My pulse quickened, the words blurring together as my mind raced. Who would send me something like this? And why?
The rational part of me screamed scam. Too good to be true. But the desperate part, the part drowning in overdue bills, Mom's pending medication I couldn't bring myself to go collect because of the cost, the hopelessness…wanted to believe it.
---
At the nursing home, I worked on autopilot. The scent of antiseptic clung to me as I guided Mrs. Carroll to her chair. "Your tea's too cold," she grumbled, glaring at me with sharp eyes.
"I'll warm it up," I said, my voice soft but strained. My body still felt exhausted from yesterday's ruckus.
During my lunch break, I slipped out to the discount store three blocks away. My hands shook as I counted the crumpled bills and change I'd scraped together from my tip jar and the bottom of my purse.
Twenty-three dollars and forty-seven cents. It would have to be enough.
The children's shoe section was picked over, but I found a pair of sneakers in Lily's size, pink with little stars on the sides. They weren't perfect, but they were sturdy, and more importantly, they had no holes. The price tag read $19.99.
I clutched them to my chest like a treasure as I paid, watching my emergency money disappear. Three dollars and forty-eight cents left. But it was worth it to see Lily's face light up.
Sam, one of the aides, leaned over the counter as I returned from my break, the shoe bag tucked under my arm. "You look like you're carrying the world on your shoulders."
I shot him a weak smile. "It's just a rough week."
He tilted his head, his dark eyes sympathetic. "Have you ever thought about taking a break? Letting someone else pick up the slack?"
"Breaks don't pay bills, Sam," I replied lightly, but the words tasted bitter.
---
It was nearly midnight when I finally stepped into the apartment, the shoe bag still clutched in one hand, my body aching with exhaustion. But I stopped short in the doorway.
The living room was quiet. Too quiet. Mom and Lily weren't on the couch watching late-night cartoons. The kitchen was clean, dishes washed and put away.
A note sat on the kitchen table, propped against the salt shaker.
Emily,
I hope you don't mind, I let myself in with Lily's help. I fed your mom and Lily dinner and also left some for you (just spaghetti, nothing fancy) I have put them both to bed. Lily's homework is done too. That girl is smart as a whip.
I saw what happened with Mr. Grissom yesterday. I heard him shouting. I'm so sorry, honey. I know things are hard right now, but please know you're not alone. If you need anything, and I mean anything, don't you hesitate to reach out. I may not have much, but I can still help where I can.
You're a good mother, Emily. Don't you forget that.
Love, Mrs. J
The tears came before I could stop them. I pressed the note to my chest, overwhelmed by the simple kindness of it all. In a world that felt like it was constantly taking from me, here was someone giving freely, expecting nothing in return.
I set Lily's new shoes on the table next to the note, a small victory in an endless battle.
My phone was in my hand before I could think twice. I scrolled to Mrs. Johnson's number and hit call, my heat beating. It rang four times before her groggy voice answered.
"Hello? Emily? Honey, is everything alright?"
"I'm so sorry for calling so late," I said quickly, guilt flooding through me. "I just got home and saw your note. I... I can't thank you enough, Mrs. Johnson. You didn't have to…"
"Hush now," she interrupted gently. "Of course I did. That's what neighbors do. That's what friends do."
"I don't know what I'd do without you," I whispered, my voice breaking.
"You're stronger than you think, Emily," she said firmly. "Now, was that all? Or is there something else on your mind? I can hear it in your voice."
I hesitated, then pulled the letter from the kitchen counter. "Actually... something strange happened today. I got this letter. About a job. A caregiver position."
"Well, that's wonderful! Isn't it?"
"I don't know," I admitted. "It's... weird. The letter is from a lawyer, and they won't say who the client is. They want me to come to some address tomorrow, wednesday at 2 PM. It feels too good to be true. Like it might be a scam or something worse."
Mrs. Johnson was quiet for a moment. "What does your gut tell you?"
"My gut says I'm desperate enough to walk into danger if it means paying my bills."
She chuckled softly. "Oh, honey. I hear you. But listen, what if it's real? What if this is that miracle you've been hoping for?"
"And what if it's not?"
"Then you walk away," she said simply. "But Emily, you'll never know unless you try. Go to that meeting tomorrow. Go see what it's about. You're smart, and you're careful.
If something feels wrong, you trust that instinct and leave. But don't let fear rob you of a chance at something better."
Her words settled over me like a warm blanket. "You really think I should go?"
"I really think you should go," she confirmed. "And I'll watch Lily and your mom tomorrow afternoon, so you don't have to worry about that. You just focus on yourself for once."
Fresh tears spilled down my cheeks. "Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. For everything."
"You're welcome. Now get some sleep. You've got a big day tomorrow."
After we hung up, I sat at the kitchen table for a long time, staring at the letter.
I placed the shoes outside Lily's door, a small surprise for the morning. Then I dragged myself to bed, the letter tucked safely in my purse.
Tomorrow. 2 PM. Whatever waited for me at that address, I had no choice but to find out.