Lara read the announcements on the window of the agency. She planned to walk in and leave her resumé, but she wanted to see what kind of city it was.

It seemed easy to find a job in such a metropolis. There were so many chances. Lara was positive that, for once, she could try finding a stable job and settle down.

The cubs were almost of age for school, even though she planned to keep them far from one for a while more. At least until she was sure they wouldn’t bite off necks when teased.

However, they hadn’t snapped in a long while.

Even Scarlet had improved her self-control so much that she almost couldn’t believe she was the same child who left a few small scars on her shoulders.

Among the announcements, one attracted her attention. It was a position for a part-time accounting assistant in a big company. Just perfect for her.

She had left college during her sophomore year when she found out about the pregnancy. She had thought about it and decided she wasn’t strong enough for the gazes of contempt and the judging words from others. She packed her things and left, like every time things went in the wrong way.

She didn’t know how to contact the man she spent the night with after getting drunk. She had just had a single drink, but her body reacted to that person as if she was drugged. She wondered, once or twice, if that could have happened.

But, in the end, she stopped thinking. She didn’t need to know what happened, especially after giving birth to two healthy and pretty babies.

Her parents chased her out of home, and her friends locked their doors when she asked for help.

All alone, she changed the city many times and made up a story that would help her avoid people’s judgements. She bought a cheap ring and invented a dead husband.

Her gaze would naturally change as she remembered how embarrassingly cringy it was to buy a nuptial ring for herself. It was of great help when she needed to convince the others she was in pain.

After years of doing it, it had grown inside her. Not everyone would be fooled, but most believed her story and sympathised.

She pushed the door made of glass and stepped into the agency

«Hello,» she said to the secretary sitting right next to it. «I am looking for a job. I don’t have a college degree, but my high school is famous for its economics and finance courses. I also did an internship in the study of an accounting manager.»

The secretary looked up and down the girl, and she decided to give it a try.

«How long was the internship?»

«Six months.»

«Barely enough to count it as experience. Other jobs?»

«I worked as a barman, a waitress, and a shop assistant. I’m not afraid of sweating, and I can do night shifts as long as I can take a couple of leaves every month. I can work twelve hours straight, and I don’t lose focus.»

She had learned which skills to present during the years. She also knew where she could lie a little without getting caught.

After all, no one is perfect in this world. With that thought, Lara didn’t feel guilty for advertising skills she didn’t have.

«I can be friendly with my co-workers and the customers. I am proficient at organising time, and I also love working in a team!»

«Enough, enough…» the secretary sighed. «What kind of contract are you looking for?»

«Oh, I’d like a part-time job. I have a family to take care of.»

«Sure…» she hummed while reading the papers in front of her. «There is this one. You should give it a try… The company does the interviews at their headquarters, and they’re very picky. But you won’t lose anything if you try. Beware: the part-time contract is just for the initial period. They’re looking for someone to insert in their team for good with a full-time working time.»

«Oh, that’s awesome!» Lara exclaimed.

It was the first time she would have one real interview for a real job. Even just having health insurance paid would have been a massive change. Not that she needed it: her cubs never got ill.

«When can I have the interview?»

«I’ll set an appointment for today. Be right in time. They usually do at three o’clock, but you should check in at least ten minutes early. Talk to the girls at the front desk and tell them you’re there to talk with the HR manager. Are you clear?»

«Yes, sure! I just need the address.»

«Here,» the woman commented while delivering a piece of paper. «It’s a few minutes from the very centre. Both bus and subway lines are passing there, so it’s easy to reach every hour of the day.»

She explained to Lara how to reach the building, and then she returned to her previous work.

Lara looked at the hour and realised she had enough time to go there without spending money on transportation. She got out and started walking.

A big smile crossed her lips as hope grew in her heart. She wasn’t as stupid as to be swayed away by optimism. Yet, for once, she decided to believe in fate.

Something in her brain told her it was the perfect day to find a good job. And even if she failed, she wouldn’t lose anything.

She couldn’t be worse than jobless, after all.

She grinned even wider while considering which dish to prepare for her cubs that evening. Job or not, she knew there would have been two pairs of hungry eyes staring at her as soon as she crossed the door of their new home.

«Mommy won’t disappoint you this time,» she murmured to herself.