Valerie Missed Her Job Interview to Save an Elderly Man Collapsing on a Busy Street in London! But When She Stepped into the Office, She Nearly Fainted at the Sight Before Her…

Valerie 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

Valerie opened her purse, counting 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 reviewed her list of essentials, trying to steady her racing heart. The freezer held a packet of chicken thighs and a few 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 rushed out of her room, her big brown eyes searching Valeries face with worry.

Dont fret, love, said Valerie, forcing a smile to hide her nerves. Mums just off to a job interview. Guess what? Aunt Lucy and her boy Oliver are coming over to keep you company.

Olivers coming? Emilys face lit up, her hands clapping in excitement. Will they bring Biscuit?

Biscuit was Lucys tabby cat, a fluffy ball of affection that Emily adored. Lucy, their neighbour, had offered to look after Emily while Valerie went for a job interview in the city centre at a food distribution company. Getting to the office in London meant a long journeyfar more time on buses and trains than the interview itself would take.

Over two months had passed since Valerie and Emily moved to the capital. Valerie cursed herself for the impulsive decisionuprooting their lives with a young child, spending 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 small hometown of Bath, her mum, Margaret, and younger sister, Claire, relied on her as the familys rock. They werent exactly great at managing without her.

Biscuits staying home, love, said Valerie gently. He doesnt much like travelling. But well visit Aunt Lucys soon, and you can cuddle him all you like.

I want a cat too! Emily pouted, crossing her arms.

Valerie shook her head with a quiet laugh. Emily always got like this when pets came up. Back in Bath, at Grandma Margarets house, theyd left behind Smudge, their sleek black cat, and a yappy little terrier named Charlie. Emily played with them every visit and missed them terribly now.

Love, were renting this flat, Valerie explained. The landlord doesnt allow pets.

Not even a goldfish? Emily asked, eyebrows raised.

Not even a goldfish.

Right now, pets were the least of Valeries worries. Her mind was fixed on one thingfinding a job. The last of her savings was dwindling, and each day brought a fresh wave of dread. At least shed paid six months rent upfront, but that had nearly left her penniless.

The doorbell rang, snapping Valerie from her thoughts. Lucy and her five-year-old, Oliver, stood at the door. Lucy, as usual, carried a Tupperware box of homemade chocolate chip cookies 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 a place of her own in London felt like trying to win the lottery.