The first week went perfectly. My mom showed up early every day, packed snacks from our kitchen, and sent me updates: We’re coloring. She ate all her lunch.
She even tidied Lily’s toys before leaving. On Friday, Claire paid her in full and thanked her. The second week, Claire smiled and said, “My paycheck’s late.
I’ll get you next week.”
My mom nodded politely. She trusted her. The third week, same story.
This time, Claire didn’t even look up from her phone when she said it. By the fourth week, my mom finally asked—quietly, almost apologetically—about the payment. Claire sighed like she was inconvenienced.
“This has actually been a good learning experience for you,” she said. “A learning experience?” my mom asked. “At your age, you really shouldn’t take jobs without contracts,” Claire replied, still typing.
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