Later that day, Mara set out with determination, going from shop to shop, house to house, looking for a tangible job that she could get. The town was bustling with activity, and she approached every opportunity with a mixture of hope and desperation, her eyes scanning every "Help Wanted" sign with eagerness.
She faced many rejections, each one a blow to her resolve, but she kept moving, driven by the need to provide for Lily and herself. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows on the pavement, when she finally found a promising lead.
In one of the branches of the Gray Company, a well-known enterprise in the area, she discovered a position as a cleaner. The manager, a kind woman in her forties, explained the duties and the pay, which wasn't much but was enough to take care of their basic needs.
Mara accepted the job with gratitude, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. It wasn't glamorous work, but it was honest, and it meant stability for her and Lily. She left the office with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that this was the first step towards rebuilding their lives.
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When Mara got home, she saw Lily and Molly, the dog, playing in the living room. The sight brought a smile to her face, a small respite from the day's exhaustion. It seemed Uncle Jack wasn't around.
Lily noticed her mom's presence and stood up from where she was, hurrying over to help with her bag. "Where's Uncle Jack?" Mara inquired.
"Oh, Mum, he said he'd be back before six. He needed to get something done."
Mara nodded, setting her bag down and taking a deep breath. "Well, I have good news, Lily. You'll be starting school again tomorrow."
Lily's eyes widened with surprise and excitement. "Really, Mum? That's amazing!" She hugged Mara tightly, the joy in her heart evident on her face.