The paper in my hand fluttered as the evening breeze brushed my face. I had only glanced at the board out of habit, but the bold letters of the advert caught my eye:
"Live-in house help needed. Good pay. Accommodation provided. Apply at Knight Holdings."
Knight Holdings. The name itself carried weight. Powerful. Untouchable. It felt worlds away from my little corner of life. My fingers tightened on the slip. Could this be the chance I had been praying for?
Still, I tucked the paper into my bag and kept walking. Right now, I had another battle to fight.
"Lena, you look worried again," Rose said the moment I arrived at her door. She didn't need long explanations—she had always been quick to read the lines of worry on my face.
I sighed. The words spilled before I could stop them. "Jamie's exam is next week, and they've sent him home again. I don't even know how I'll manage, Rose."
Without hesitation, she pulled out her purse and pressed a few notes into my hand. "Here. Just pay me back at the end of the month."
"Rose…" My voice shook. I hated borrowing, but her kindness wrapped around me like a blanket. "Thank you. I promise I'll return it."
Later that night, I handed the money to Mum. Relief washed over her face as she whispered, "At least Jamie can go back tomorrow."
I smiled, but deep down I knew it was only a temporary fix. Borrowing could carry us for a while, but not forever.
That night, when everyone was asleep, I pulled out the folded advert again. My heart pounded as I traced the words with my fingers.
I wanted to tell Mum about it, but something held me back. What if it turned out to be nothing? What if I got rejected again?
No… I'd apply first. If it worked, then I'd share the news. Until then, it would be my secret—my fragile hope.
And maybe, just maybe, Knight Holdings was where everything would begin to change.