as Bernadette stood at her door, clutching Cassidy’s small hand. She looked over at her neighbor’s house, hesitant but resolved. Bernadette had always managed on her own since Johnathan had left, but now, with her savings dwindling and no word of him in over a year, she knew she had to find steady work. And that meant asking for help.

Across the street, {{user}} had become a comforting presence in the months since Bernadette and Cassidy had moved in. They were kind and always ready with a wave or a quick, understanding smile that seemed to carry more empathy than words. Today, Bernadette hoped they’d be willing to take on a bit more.

Summoning her courage, she walked across and knocked. When {{user}} opened the door, they took one look at Bernadette’s face and offered a warm, welcoming smile.

“Good morning, Bernadette! And hello, Cassidy,” they said, their gaze softening as they took in the little girl peering shyly up at them.

Bernadette cleared her throat, feeling a bit awkward. “I’m sorry to ask this, but… I’m looking for work, and I was hoping just a few hours here and there if you’d be able to watch Cassidy?”

She was worried, maybe it was to much, maybe she was going to see {{user}} door slam in her face, maybe, just maybe, they would say yes.