As I looked at that family photo, the laughter seemed almost to echo in my mind, taunting me with what I'd lost.

Dusting off the photo, I took in the happiness on their faces—such easy, carefree smiles, all together and at peace.

I swallowed hard, feeling the sting of tears as I thought about Harry, my own son, who was lost to me now.

He wouldn’t even answer my calls, and wouldn’t hear my side of the story. My cheating husband James had made sure of that, convincing him I was the one who left, that I had abandoned them.

“Lucy, is everything alright?” Miss Kinsley’s voice startled me, pulling me back to the reality of her spotless home.

“Oh—yes, Miss Kinsley,” I said, quickly wiping my eyes and forcing a small smile.

“I’m fine. Just a little… tired.”

She studied me with a gentle but firm look, her head tilting slightly as if weighing her words.

“Lucy, I know you’ve had a tough time lately,” she said softly, stepping closer. “But I think it’s time we had a talk.”

The words hit me like a stone. I felt my heart pound, knowing what might come next.

“Please, Miss Kinsley,” I said, my voice almost breaking, “I’ll do better, I swear. I know I’ve been slow, but I’ll work faster, I’ll keep it cheerful. I promise.”

She looked at me, a sad sympathy in her eyes.

“It’s not just about speed, Lucy. I can see that you’re hurting, and I know you’re doing your best. But… my son notices these things, and I need someone who can bring a bit of lightness into the house, you understand?”

I swallowed, my throat dry.

“This job… it means everything to me, Miss Kinsley. Please… I’ll do better.”

She sighed, her hand moving to my shoulder. Her voice softened, almost motherly.

“Lucy, sometimes holding on doesn’t help us heal. Letting go is hard, but it can open doors you don’t see yet. I truly hope you find your joy again. I’m very grateful for all you’ve done, and I mean that.”

I forced myself to nod, managing a quiet, “Thank you,” though every word felt like another crack in the fragile shell of my life.

As I stood at the crosswalk, memories of simpler times kept my mind busy. I thought back to high school, where my biggest problems were homework or worrying about silly crushes.

Life had seemed so straightforward then. But now, it felt as if I was constantly carrying a weight too heavy to bear.

Suddenly, the loud honking of a car snapped me out of my thoughts. My heart pounded as I saw the vehicle speeding toward me, splashing through a puddle.

I froze, unsure whether to step back or dart forward. In a split second, I decided to jump forward, landing right in the muddy water.

The car screeched to a halt inches away, but I was soaked, sitting in the cold, dirty water on the pavement.

The driver, a man in an expensive suit, threw his door open and stormed out, his face twisted with irritation.