Valerie Missed Her Job Interview to Save an Elderly Man Collapsing on a Busy London Street! But When She Finally Entered the Office, She Could Hardly Believe Her Eyes…

**Diary Entry**

I cant believe I lost my job interview to save an old man who collapsed on a busy street in London! But when I stepped into the office later, I nearly fainted at what I saw

I opened my purse and counted the few crumpled banknotes inside, letting out a deep sigh. The money was running dangerously low, and finding a decent job in London was proving harder than Id ever imagined. I mentally tallied my list of essentials, trying to calm my racing heart. The freezer held a pack of chicken thighs and a few frozen burgers. The cupboard had rice, pasta, and a box of tea bags. For now, I 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 my face with worry.

Dont fret, love, I said, forcing a smile to hide my nerves. Mums just off to a job interview. But guess what? Auntie Sophie 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 Sophies tabby cata fluffy ball of affection that Emily adored. Sophie, a neighbour, had offered to look after Emily while I went for the interview at a food distribution company in central London. Getting there meant a long journeyfar more time on buses and the Tube than the actual interview would last.

It had been over two months since Emily and I moved to the city. I still scolded myself for that impulsive decisionuprooting our lives, burning through most of my savings on rent and groceries, all on a gamble to find work quickly. But Londons job market was brutal. Despite my two degrees and relentless determination, landing a steady position felt like chasing a mirage. Back in our little hometown of Winchester, my mum, Margaret, and younger sister, Lucy, had always relied on me as the familys rock. They werent exactly great at managing without me.

Biscuits staying home, love, I said softly. He doesnt fancy long car rides. But well visit Sophies soon, and you can cuddle him as much as you like.

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

I shook my head with a quiet laugh. She always got like this whenever pets were mentioned. Back in Winchester, at Grandma Margarets house, wed left behind Smudge, our sleek black cat, and a cheeky little terrier named Buster. Emily played with them every time we visited, and now she missed them terribly.

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

Not even a goldfish? Emily raised her eyebrows, shocked.

Not even a goldfish.

Right now, pets were the least of my worries. My mind was fixed on one thing: finding a job. The last of my savings were dwindling, and each day brought fresh waves of anxiety. At least Id paid six months rent upfrontbut it had nearly cleaned me out.

The doorbell rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. Sophie and her five-year-old, Oliver, stood at the door. Sophie, as usual, carried a Tupperware of homemade chocolate chip cookies and a slice of her mums famous lemon drizzle cake. Like me, Sophie 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.