I tossed and turned in a vain attempt to get back to sleep, but it was no use. With an exasperated sigh, I threw back the covers and climbed out of bed. Might as well get up now. I could go to bed earlier tonight if I needed to. 

I turned on the shower and waited a few minutes for the water to warm up. One perk of waking so early was that I didn’t have to worry about the neighbors getting all the hot water before I could. Shrieking the ‘Immigrant Song’ while freezing water ran down my backside was not my idea of a good time. 

The shower was short, but calming. I felt much better after. I quickly prepared some peanut butter toast, and mindlessly ate it while I scrolled on my phone, leaning back against my tiny kitchen counter. 

Devastating news today across the world. Fires and floods. Innocent children bombed. The articles and pictures made me sick to my stomach. There wasn’t anything I could do to help them. How I longed to march into a greedy billionaire’s office and force him to witness firsthand the devastation his actions were causing. The second part of that fantasy always involved throwing them off a rocky cliff into the unforgiving ocean. Watching them get dashed about on the boulders before they became fish food. 

Alas.

An alert popped up on my phone. A new email. 

I tapped it open, and curiously read the message. 

“Good morning Ms. Evans.

I hope this message finds you well. The family I represent has been in need of a nanny as they have recently moved to the area. The child you would be working with is an intelligent girl of 9-years-old. She will require care after her lessons, as well as assistance in the mornings and weekends for fun activities in the city. 

The child happens to be in a wheelchair. The why is not important. If her disability is an issue, and you do not wish to pursue the position, I understand. However, it was noted in your resume that you have extensive history dealing with the differently abled, and for that reason, we hoped you might consider coming in for an interview.

This is a live-in position, and you will receive ample compensation on top of your comfortable quarters, assuming you’re willing to move. If this is something you would be interested in, please message me back as soon as possible, and we can set up a time to meet today.

Best wishes,

Joel Fields”

I trailed off reading as I looked around my tiny little apartment. This had to be a scam. Someone was definitely playing me. 

Still…

What if?

I shrugged.

I was tired of counting every penny in hopes I could eat for the next week. I hated that I could never pay for internet on time, and it would often get turned off for months before I could afford to turn it back on. The fear of getting evicted was all too real. If there was any chance that this was legitimate, I had to see. 

Setting down the saucer of toast and wiping my hands on the nearest dish towel, I began to type back. 

I was very curious to see how this would go.