Ophelia sat in front of her computer, her eyes fixed angrily on the screen. She scrolled through her emails, her fingers moving quickly as she read through the rejection letters. Six families had said no to her housekeeping application, and the reasons they gave were ridiculous.
"They're just making excuses," she thought to herself. Each family said the same thing: she needed at least 15 years of experience. Ophelia couldn't believe it. She had taken her time to write a perfect application, highlighting her skills and qualifications. But nobody seemed to care.
As she read through the rejection letters, Ophelia felt her frustration grow. She thought about all the times she had struggled to make ends meet, working multiple jobs just to get by. And now, these rich families were rejecting her because of some arbitrary requirement.
"They have no idea what it's like to be in my shoes," Ophelia thought, her anger simmering. "They don't know what it's like to work hard every day, just to be told you're not good enough."
Ophelia's eyes scanned the room, taking in the small space she rented. She thought about the bills she had to pay, her mother was lying sick in the hospital,her hospital bills unattended . And she thought about the families who had rejected her, living in their big houses with their perfect lives.
"It's just not fair," Ophelia said aloud, her voice shaking with emotion.
Just ad Ophelia was about to shut her computer,a message popped in,the subject line read,- interview invitation..... housekeeping position with the Brooks family."
Ophelia frowned a bit ,apart from the six family that had rejected her she hadn't sent cv to any Brooks family.
Ophelia's frown deepened as she read the email. Who were the Brooks family, and how did they get her information? She hadn't sent her CV to them, and she certainly hadn't applied for any housekeeping position with them.
Curiosity got the better of her, and she opened the email.
"Dear Ophelia,
We are pleased to invite you for an interview for the housekeeping position at our residence. We believe your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for this role.
Date: Tomorrow, 10:00 AM
Location: 123 Oakwood Drive
Please come prepared with your references and any questions you may have.
Best regards,
Mrs. Brooks"
Ophelia's mind whirled with questions. How did they get her CV? Had someone recommended her? Was this a scam?
Despite her reservations, Ophelia felt a spark of hope. Maybe this was the break she needed. Maybe this family would see beyond her lack of experience and give her a chance.
She looked around her small room, thinking about the bills piling up and her mother's hospital expenses. This job could change everything.
Ophelia took a deep breath and made a decision. She would attend the interview and see what happened.
With renewed determination, Ophelia began to research the Brooks family, scouring the internet for any information she could find. She wanted to be prepared.
As she researched, Ophelia's phone buzzed with an incoming text from the hospital.
"Mom's condition has stabilized, but we need to settle the outstanding bills ASAP."
Ophelia's heart sank. She had to get this job.
She quickly pulled out her notepad and scribbled down ," oakwood." With the address scribbled on her notepad, Ophelia quickly grabbed her car keys and rushed out the door. Her old Toyota, parked outside, looked worn but reliable. She unlocked the creaky door and slid into the faded driver's seat. The engine roared to life as she turned the key.
As she pulled out of her small apartment complex, Ophelia's mind returned to her mother's hospital bills and the Brooks family interview. The GPS led her through the congested city streets, finally guiding her onto the highway.
The hospital's imposing structure loomed ahead, its sterile white walls a stark reminder of her mother's struggles. Ophelia's anxiety grew with each passing mile.
She parked in the crowded lot and hurried into the hospital. The antiseptic scent and muted beeping of machines enveloped her as she made her way to her mother's room.
Her mother, frail and pale, lay motionless in bed. Ophelia's heart ached as she took her mother's hand.
"Mom, I've got an interview tomorrow," Ophelia said, trying to sound optimistic. "It's with the Brooks family. I'll get this job, and we'll pay off these bills."
Her mother's eyes flickered open, weak but determined. "You'll do great, baby. I know you will."
Just as Ophelia's mother smiled faintly, a gentle knock on the door interrupted the moment. A middle-aged doctor with a compassionate face entered.
"Dr. Smith," Ophelia's mother whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Hello, Mrs. Johnson," Dr. Smith replied softly. "I need to speak with your daughter privately for a moment."
Ophelia nodded, following Dr. Smith out of the room.
In the quiet hospital corridor, Dr. Smith's expression turned serious. "Ophelia, I'm afraid your mother's condition is worsening. Her kidneys are failing, and she needs an immediate transplant."
Ophelia's heart sank. "How much will it cost?"
Dr. Smith hesitated. "The transplant alone will be around $200,000, not including post-operative care and medication."
Ophelia felt the weight of the world crushing her. "What about insurance?"
"We've contacted your mother's provider, but...it's complicated. We'll need to discuss this further with the hospital's financial team."
Ophelia's thoughts reeled. The Brooks family interview seemed like her only hope now.
"What about her current treatment?" Ophelia asked, desperation creeping into her voice.
"We're doing everything we can, but...time is running out. We need to act quickly."
Ophelia nodded, determination etched on her face. "I'll get the money, Doctor. I promise."
Dr. Smith placed a reassuring hand on Ophelia's shoulder. "We'll do everything possible to save your mother."
As Ophelia returned to her mother's room, her resolve hardened. She would get the job with the Brooks family, no matter what.
As Ophelia re-entered her mother's room, her eyes widened in anger. Her older brother, Marcus, sat beside their mother's bed, his eyes glassy and his speech slurred.
"Marcus, what are you doing here?" Ophelia demanded, her voice low but fierce.
Marcus looked up, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "Hey, sis. Just checking in on Mom."
Ophelia's anger boiled over. "You're drunk, Marcus. Again."
Marcus shrugged. "Just having a little relaxation, sis. Don't be so uptight."
Ophelia's hands clenched into fists. "Relaxation? Mom's dying, and you're worried about getting drunk?"
Marcus's grin faltered, but he didn't respond.
Ophelia's mother weakly opened her eyes. "Ophelia, don't fight with your brother. Please."
Ophelia took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "Sorry, Mom. I just...I need to talk to Marcus about something."
Marcus's eyes sparkled with interest. "What's up, sis? You find a way to pay Mom's bills?"
Ophelia's eyes narrowed. "I've got an interview tomorrow. If I get the job, we'll be able to pay the bills."
Marcus's expression turned skeptical. "What job? You mean that housekeeping thing? You think that'll pay enough?"
Ophelia's anger flared again. "It's better than nothing, Marcus. Which is what you've been contributing."
Marcus shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Ophelia's accusatory gaze
e.
"I'm trying for God fucking sake ...." Marcus muttered
"How the fuck are you helping???" She roared