Chapter 57

The next morning, I woke up with a heavy heart, the weight of Vince’s job loss lingering in the air like palpable tension. As I got ready for my day at the publishing company, I couldn’t shake the worry that had settled within me. The routine of dressing up and preparing breakfast felt more mechanical than usual, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of our uncertain future.

Heading out, I noticed the gray clouds that mirrored my mood, threatening rain. The city, bustling with people, seemed indifferent to the storm brewing within our lives. As I walked towards the subway station, I hoped that the day at work would provide some distraction, a temporary respite from the challenges we faced.

As I neared the station, my path intersected with the less fortunate—a beggar sitting on the sidewalk, a weathered sign beside him that simply said, “Hungry and Cold.” His eyes met mine, a silent plea for assistance.

“Sorry, I don’t have any cash on me,” I mumbled apologetically, my